More than $2,000 was raised to support the Abbie Rogers Civitan Camp during a fundraiser Monday night at Sweet Peppers Deli's newest location at 2005 Lincoln Road.

"We had a couple of hundred people come out to support this fundraiser and cause to help Mrs. Rogers and it was everything and more than we expected," said Clark Callahan, who co-owns Sweet Peppers Deli locations in Hattiesburg, with his wife, Beth Callahan.

The proceeds from the invitation-only event were donated to the Civitan Camp near Wiggins, which provides a summer camp for people with special needs.

Joel Dunagin, owner of Dunagin Pest Control, said the event was a great success for a good cause and speaks well of the Callahans.

"The Callahans are very involved in the community," Dunagin said. "And most importantly, they want to support the area. They've already demonstrated by supporting Lamar County schools. They don't just take from the community but they give back."

Sweet Peppers Deli offers a menu of salads, soups, signature sandwiches, paninis, wraps and scrumptious desserts. The eatery's concept originated in 1997, when Robin Fant, John Bean, Bernard Bean, Myrrl Bean and Robert Fort joined forces. There are currently eight Sweet Peppers Deli restaurants with other locations in Columbus, Tupelo, Starkville, Muscle Shoals, Ala., and Memphis, Tenn.