After a tornado touched down in Mansfield in April, leaving several homes and businesses damaged, the small town was left to pick up the pieces. On Saturday, the community gathered to continue doing just that as the Mansfield Women’s Club hosted an Open Car Show and Chili Cook-off to raise money for the victims.

Ronnie Sandberg, a club member and organizer of the fundraiser, said the event at the Old Hound Auction House on Ga. Highway 11 also included a wine tasting with Fox Winery, live music and door prizes. Proceeds will benefit the Mansfield Tornado Relief Fund through Mansfield City Hall, the Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

After April’s tornado hit, residents of the damaged homes were evacuated and taken to the Mansfield Community Center by firefighters. The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army helped the storm victims at the community center. In addition to the relief agencies, Sandberg said the community and the city quickly joined forces to help families displaced by the storm.

"The relief in this town was so incredible, through the Salvation Army, the Red Cross, the local fire department and the community," she said. "Everyone pitched in. It was amazing what we did in a short period of time.

"We gathered clothing; the City Council and our Mayor Estona Middlebrooks, worked so hard," she said. "We (the Mansfield Women’s Club) just followed in their steps. Whatever they needed, we helped."

Sandberg said people are still working on repairing some of the houses.

"We’re all looking to move forward,’’ she said. "We’re excited."