The Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches will honor Rush Harding with the 2025 Arkansas Children’s Award at its 30th Annual Arkansas Children’s Award Dinner. The recognition will take place on Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. at the Little Rock Marriott Hotel. Former Arkansas Razorback and media personality David Bazzel will serve as master of ceremonies.
For three decades, the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches has presented the Arkansas Children’s Award to outstanding individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the lives of Arkansas’s children. These honorees personify the ideals of ASYR in both word and deed, and each year, hundreds gather to pay tribute to their dedication at the Arkansas Children’s Award Dinner.
Rush Harding, a highly respected leader in Arkansas business and philanthropy, has dedicated much of his life to improving opportunities for local youth. The Clarendon native and his wife, Linda, have spent decades supporting the community through initiatives such as Clarendon’s annual Christmas program, funding school facilities, providing educational trips and endowing scholarships.
“This year’s award is especially meaningful as we celebrate 30 years of honoring Arkansans who have gone above and beyond for our children,” said Ray Dillon, chair of the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches board of trustees. “Rush Harding truly reflects the spirit of the Ranch through his lifelong commitment to service. His generosity and leadership have created opportunities for countless young people, and we are proud to recognize him in this landmark year.”
The Ranch is 100 percent privately funded, and with the generous support of the community, it supplies all the needs associated with raising a child, from finding loving house parents to providing safe shelter, medical care, healthy food, clothing and educational expenses. Generous support of the Ranch was recently demonstrated through a $1 million gift to build Raney Hall, a new residence on the ASYR campus that will expand capacity and provide a safe, loving home for even more Arkansas children.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the dinner are available at asyr.org.
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