One local organization is partnering with Slim Chickens of Fayetteville for a fundraiser Thursday night.
This isn't the first time Rogers-based organization Sheep Dog Impact Assistance will host its annual Halloween Family Night at Slim Chickens. This year's fundraiser is from 5-8 p.m. There will be a costume contest, photo booth and trick or treat bags for children.
Sheep Dog Impact Assistance "is national, non-profit organization that exists to engage, assist and empower the men and women who make up our nation's military, law enforcement, fire and rescue, and EMS professions," according to the group's website.
The Halloween Family Night is a fundraiser for the organization's holiday outreach program, a facet of the organization that works to support families in need during the holidays.
"That provides families in need with full meals on Thanksgiving and toys and clothing for children at Christmas," said Amanda Bullard, Sheep Dog media relations director.
Those Thanksgiving meals are either delivered or picked up by a Sheep Dog-sponsored family.
"Our sheep dog family are unlikely to ask for help. It's very important for them to be ones who help others," said Kay Ricker, Sheep Dog holiday outreach coordinator. "From time to time circumstances in life might put them behind: death in the family, loss of a job. We are out there to help fill that need."
This way, they get "to prepare and have that wonderful holiday experince without the cost that goes into it," Ricker said.
The Halloween fundraiser isn't the only event that goes to support the holiday outreach program.
Sheep Dog hosts a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving day. Proceeds from that go to the holiday program, which also sponsors a child for $175 at Christmas, Ricker said.
The holiday outreach program is also supported by private donations. Sheep Dog does not accept government or state funding.
Those interested in signing up for the Turkey Trot, or who know a family eligible for Sheep Dog assistance, are encouraged to visit sheepdogia.org.
NW News on 10/25/2017