&#8220We need to let people know we appreciate them while they can enjoy the compliment.”

Those were Linda Cook-Hamilton's words as she described last weekend's tribute/benefit for Butler County Commissioner Daniel Robinson. Robinson is currently undergoing treatment for cancer.

The idea of the evening, Cook-Hamilton said, was to both honor the active civic leader and to give Robinson some financial assistance with the expenses incurred traveling back and forth to Birmingham for treatments.

An overflow crowd of 300 or more people was in attendance at the Saturday night event, held at New Bethel Christian Church.

Church choirs from Brantley, Forest Home, Georgiana, Ft. Deposit and several other communities performed during the evening, Cook-Hamilton said.

Several of the many dignitaries present paid tribute to the guest of honor in what Cook-Hamilton described as &#8220a very uplifting evening for all of us.”

&#8220There was a great, great turnout of people from all across the area – commissioners, judges, board of education members, mayors, even our representative, Charles Newton – along with many others who came to honor Daniel,” Cook-Hamilton said.

&#8220Many took time out of their busy schedules to come to this event, which speaks so highly of the kind of man Daniel Robinson is, and just what he means to this county. It was a true appreciation of his life.”

One of those present was Greenville Mayor Dexter McLendon, who presented Robinson with a plaque of appreciation from the city.

&#8220We wanted to thank him for being a great civic leader and commissioner. While I have given out a number of those plaques, I have never had more respect for any recipient than I do for Daniel, and I told him that,” McLendon said.

&#8220He's been so good at getting the county and city to work together on things. He treats everyone equally and he wants to do what is right. What can I say – he's just a good man.”

Cook-Hamilton agrees.

&#8220Daniel is an excellent role model in many ways. He is a strong family person, an educational supporter and an effective public servant,” she said.

&#8220Daniel is someone who pulled himself up by his bootstraps, and he's also a man of tremendous faith. He lives what he says.”

Jesse McWilliams, fellow county commissioner and a close friend of Robinson's, was also present at the recent tribute. He shared his own thoughts about his good friend.

&#8220Daniel is a unique person…he really does put his faith first, and then his family. He is a devoted husband and father – and words cannot describe just how much he has meant to the community through all his involvement.”

McWilliams said the citizens of District 4 are &#8220very, very lucky to have Daniel as their representative.”

&#8220Whether serving the county, working with the city, with OCAP, on all the different boards, he's always given his best,” McWilliams said.

Robinson was a perfect candidate for such a tribute/benefit, McWilliams said.

&#8220Daniel has done a lot of benefits to help others throughout the years, so it's only right one was held for him. You could tell how people feel about him, seeing all the elected officials and all the people he has known and served who showed up.”

McWilliams said his friend has put his battle with cancer &#8220in God's hands.”

Daniel's faith is strong and we hope all will go well with him.”

Donations to Robinson's benefit fund to help with travel expenses can be sent c/o Danny Robinson Jr., 2329 Montezuma Road, Greenville, AL 36037.