The second “Roast on the Coast” fundraiser of the Salvation Army – Horry County is shaping up to be altogether different than the first event in 2012. On April 16, Myrtle Beach Mayor John Rhodes will be “toasted and roasted” at the Dunes Golf & Beach Club. “We appreciate Mayor Rhodes coming alongside the Salvation Army and helping us with this event,” says Major Bret McElroy.

Roast on the Coast was started as a new fundraiser in response to the shortfall of revenue experienced by nearly all nonprofits. Months prior to the first event, then-Coastal Carolina University football coach David Bennett agreed to the roast. Then, with the event barely announced, Bennett was let go at CCU. The situation put potential sponsors in a difficult position, although 200 people attended the event.

“This year, we already have a silver sponsor, and have already sold 25 tickets” two months prior to the event. The $50 tickets are half of the price of last year. McElroy has good reason to be encouraged. A tip of the hat to Rhodes for being a good sport. The mayor selects the roasters and McElroy promises the roast will be “good, clean fun.”