Another record amount was raised at this year’s Mary Sallee Single Parent Scholarship Auction, according to MSSPS Chair Janna Guthrey, organizer of the event. A total of $3,192 was raised at the annual fundraiser held Friday at the conclusion of the holiday staff potluck. This amount exceeds last year’s record amount of $2,300. The amount may be matched up to 160% by the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund, which would result in a total revenue exceeding $8,000.
The event included the traditional silent and live auctions in addition to a ‘ticket table’ where individuals purchased tickets and placed with an object or objects of their choice and a drawing was held among all tickets placed for each item. “The ticket table, alone, generated over $800,” noted Guthrey.
The fundraiser is made possible by the items generously donated by BRTC faculty, staff, and departments. “I can honestly say that I never cease to be amazed by the generosity of the BRTC family,” said Guthrey. “Without those who contribute the wonderful items and those who bigheartedly bid on them, the event would not be successful.”
Darren Plaster, LETA instructor, and Alan Haskins, director of Fire Science, served as auctioneers (and entertainers) with assistance from LETA instructor Ben Runnels. In addition to staff, members of the BRTC Board of Trustees and the BRTC Foundation also participated in the event.
BRTC’s Single Parent Scholarship program provides assistance to eligible single parents living in Randolph County and enrolled in an institution of higher education. The funds may be used for child care, transportation, housing, or other expense. Since its beginning, the organization has provided $148,148 in scholarship funds. In addition to the annual auction, the MSSPS fund receives support from individual BRTC staff members through payroll deductions, from grants, from special events and from the BRTC Foundation.
For more information on MSSPS or to make a contribution to the program, contact Guthrey or Vickie French at 870-248-4000.