The Progressive Women’s Association (PWA) of White Hall is hosting its annual Fall Scholarship Auction at 6 p.m. Friday at the White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road in White Hall.
The auction includes gift certificates, home decor, art, jewelry and more, and there will be free refreshments, with proceeds benefiting the PWA’s Ann Douthit Memorial Scholarship Fund. Dean Dancer will be the auctioneer, and the public is invited to attend.
Brenda Doucey, PWA spokesperson, said guests can bid on items in the silent auction and then be prepared to bid on items during the live auction portion of the evening.
In addition to the auctioned items, guests can buy chances to win two handmade pieces, and winners will be selected Nov. 11 after the 11 a.m. Veterans Day observance at the White Hall Museum, 9009 Dollarway Road, said Doucey, who is also the museum director.
Items in the drawing are a quilt donated by Mary Ann Davis and an afghan by Linda Hurd, with the proceeds going to the PWA’s scholarship fund.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Tickets are $2 each or three for $5, and will be available at the auction or at the Veterans Day event.
“Get your Christmas shopping done early and come to a party at the same time. There is something for everyone,” Doucey said.
It promises to be a fun evening with a serious pursuit, she said.
Since its inception in 1979, the PWA of White Hall has awarded more than $350,000 in scholarships to hundreds of young women.
So far this year, it has raised more than $7,000 and is supporting 14 women’s educational endeavors with scholarships.
As with all its fundraisers, 100% of the money raised goes into the scholarship fund, Doucey said.
Doucey said the PWA’s Ann Douthit Memorial Scholarship Fund is designed to support young women while pursuing higher education, whether that’s attending a technical school, a two- or four-year college, or a university.
Once a scholarship is awarded, the recipient receives $600 per semester, or $1,200 annually, until graduation. A recipient must maintain good grades, and a scholarship could be worth $4,800 over four years.
According to a history written by Doucey, the organization was chartered on July 14, 1979. Its first scholarships were $500 each year, and it earned money by gift-wrapping at Walmart and through rummage sales. Doucey said she is proud of the 30-member nonprofit’s efforts.
Tabitha Ryals is a five-year member who was named PWA’s 2025-26 Woman of the Year.
Ryals said education has the power to change lives and make the community a better place.
“We do what we can. … We don’t do it for the recognition,” Ryals said.
For those who want to donate to the Progressive Women’s Association’s Ann Douthit Memorial Scholarship Fund or become a member, call Brenda Doucey at (870) 247-9406.