Brittany Howard, lead singer of the Athens-based Grammy-award winning Alabama Shakes, dropped by Hospice of Limestone County Thursday and dropped off a donation from the band.

Each year, Alabama Shakes has supported the annual Hospice of Limestone County Chili Challenge, which will be this weekend. The group has donated autographed items in the past. Thursday, Howard gave event co-chairwoman Lacy Beth McMunn a monetary donation on behalf of the band.

Joining Howard was her grandmother, Helen West, who went to work at Hospice in 2003. West’s involvement with Hospice of Limestone County developed from the support she received during the illness and death of her granddaughter Jamie Howard, Brittany’s sister. Jamie developed a brain tumor, lost her sight and died in 1998 as a teenager.

“This is the only fundraiser for Hospice of Limestone County, and it is encouraging for organizers to see the community support from citizens, businesses, other agencies and our hometown success stories like Brittany Howard and Alabama Shakes and Anderson East,” said Chili Challenge publicity chairwoman Holly Hollman.

Musician Anderson East of Athens has donated an autographed T-shirt and CD for the silent auction.

This is the 29th year for the Hospice of Limestone County Chili Challenge. The event is Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Athens High School’s gym. Tickets are $10 and will be available at the door.

The ticket price includes tasting each chili and voting in the People’s Choice category, lunch, entertainment and the ability to bid on silent auction items.