The Drew County Single Parent Scholarship Board will host its annual fall fundraising scholarship gala at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Drew County Fairgrounds Auditorium in Monticello.
Proceeds will fund scholarships to area colleges and vocational-technical schools, helping local single parents get an education to secure good jobs and provide for their families.
In the past year, the board has presented 15 scholarships totaling $4,740. Since its inception in 1992, a total of 191 scholarships valued at $84,720 have been awarded.
“The generosity of our supporters over the years has brightened the future of many Drew County families, said Clarissa Pace, president of the scholarship board. “There are a lot of students who have moved to our area from surrounding counties in (Southeast Arkansas) and they benefit from these funds as well.”
The gala will feature a meal, silent auction, performances from the University of Arkansas at Monticello music and drama departments, and recognition of past and present scholarship recipients. It will be an elegant occasion, with an “all-white” dress code.
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“The gala is our primary fundraiser for the year, and every $1 we raise locally is matched by $1.60 at the state level,” Pace said.
Supporters may also contact Pace at 723-9820 to purchase an ad for the souvenir booklet. Information and payment should be submitted by Friday, Sept. 25.
Tickets to the event are $25 and are available by calling fund-raising chair Vicky Harris at 870-723-6786, by emailing dcspsb@gmail.com, or by contacting Pace or board members Lou Lambert, Sharonda Forte, Angelia Anderson, Anita Riley, Hazelene McCray, Beverly Burks, Tawana Greene or Kim Smith. Details: Pace, 870-723-9820.