More than a dozen high school graduates in Northwest Arkansas will get a little leg up for their studies of agriculture thanks to the Benevolent Amusement Foundation, the charitable arm of the Rodeo of the Ozarks. The annual Denim and Diamonds gala March 8 raised $27,000, dedicated for that support.
"It was a very big success," said Rick Culver, executive director of the rodeo and the foundation. "We exceeded last year's collection."
At a Glance
Denim and Diamonds Gala
Who: Rodeo of the Ozarks Benevolent Amusement Foundation
When: March 8
Where: Cherokee Hotel and Casino, West Siloam Springs, Okla.
Amount raised: $27,000
Information: (877) 927-6336, rodeooftheozarks.org
"It's our best one ever," said Steve Smith, a member of the Rodeo of the Ozarks Board of Directors and chairman of the event.
The foundation awards $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors in Washington and Madison counties with a commitment to study an agriculture-related field in college. The scholarships are renewable for four years, with a 3.0 grade-point average, Culver said.
This year's record-setting collection will allow the foundation to award scholarships to even more students, Culver continued. "We currently have 12 scholarships out, and we will pick up more at the end of the (school) year," he said.
The scholarship program has grown, Smith said. After its first gala in 2010, the rodeo gave two scholarships a year, which grew to four a year in 2013. Smith said he hopes the board can award six or eight students each year with further growth. He also hopes the program will spread, with scholarships given throughout the Northwest Arkansas region.
Smith also was pleased with the attendance for the event at the Cherokee Hotel and Casino in West Siloam Springs, Okla. The rodeo sold more than 300 tickets. "We were full," he said. "We might have to find a bigger place to hold it."
The foundation earned the money as the auctioneer and Rodeo of the Ozarks board member Sach Oliver boomed "Sold" in a live auction, while a silent auction also was open for bidding. Items included a trip to Gulf Shores, Ala., a trip to the Professional Bull Riders finals in Las Vegas, a supper at the Blessings Golf Club with former Razorback basketball coach Nolan Richardson and a weekend at an Ozark cabin.
The evening included dinner and a live band for dancing, as well as gaming opportunities in the casino.
NAN Profiles on 04/06/2014