Billboard king Alexander Shunnarah gives away 1,000 turkeys
Hundreds of people drove by celebrity attorney Alexander Shunnarah’s office on Tuesday afternoon as he gave away 1,000 turkeys from 3 to 7 p.m. at 2900 First Ave. South in Birmingham.
“It was so successful last year,” Shunnarah said. “We gave away 500 turkeys, but even though it was awesome and we saw so many happy, thankful people, when we were done, we had to turn away a couple hundred cars that were lined up and had been waiting. I said, ‘That’s not going to happen again.’”
This time, he still had plenty of turkeys available at 5 p.m. as the line thinned.
People arriving for a turkey frequently shouted “Call Me Alabama” out the window, echoing Shunnarah’s famous slogan. Shunnarah is regionally known as a cultural icon for his omnipresent, meme-worthy “Call Me Alabama” billboards and TV commercials.
The birds cost about $28 apiece, but he wasn’t concerned about the cost, as long as people have what they need for Thanksgiving, he said.
“It’s all about giving back to the community,” Shunnarah said.
“He’s doing a wonderful thing for the community,” said Sandra Lett, who came by for a turkey with two children in the backseat.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin stopped by to greet people as they received turkeys.
“We know who he is and what he represents,” Woodfin said. “This is my favorite part of Alex – a man who cares about the community.”