The Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches recently held its 30th Annual Arkansas Children’s Award Dinner, honoring business leader and philanthropist Rush Harding, and announced a fundraising record of $350,000 to continue its mission of providing safe and loving homes for Arkansas children in need.
The event drew more than 600 ASYR supporters to the Grand Ballroom at the Little Rock Marriott Hotel. Longtime ASYR supporter and former Arkansas Razorback David Bazzel served as master of ceremonies. Presenting sponsor for the event was Cache Restaurant, and diamond sponsors were Rush Hal Development, the Schueck Family Foundation and Stone Ward.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Arkansas Children’s Award to Harding, a Clarendon native, whose decades of generosity have impacted communities across the state. Harding and his wife, Linda, are longtime supporters of the ASYR mission.
A highlight came when a ninth grader and current resident of the ranch shared her story:
“At the ranch, I’ve learned who I am. I’ve learned to care for others, to lead, to believe in myself, and to love who I am, inside and out. Today, I stand here as someone who’s not broken, but rebuilt. Someone who believes in herself. Someone who’s ready to keep growing, to go to college – hopefully at the University of Central Arkansas – and to one day help other children who’ve gone through what I have. Because if my story can prove anything, it’s that no matter how hard life starts out, it doesn’t have to end that way.”
Inspired by her words, Harding, a proud UCA alumnus and supporter, surprised guests by announcing he would cover the girl’s tuition, fees and housing to ensure her education is covered following high school.
Feature image: David Bazzel, Rush Harding, Ray Dillon (Photo courtesy of ASYR)
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