Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Jingle all the way
Holiday event supports single parents
The Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas hosted its 30th annual holiday fundraiser — dubbed the Jingle Mingle as of late — on Nov. 3 at the Barn at the Springs in Springdale. More than 200 guests, including board members, scholarship recipients, supporters and volunteers attended the event, which serves to thank donors for their support in helping single parents in Carroll, Madison and Washington counties pursue higher education.
The evening started at 6 o’clock, when guests were treated to holiday tunes from the Mojo Trio and hors d’oeuvres, including a mashed potato bar, by the Event Group. Wedington Liquor provided wine and beer for the cash bar, and men from the Kappa Sigma Fraternity at the University of Arkansas volunteered at the event.
Just after 7 p.m., SPSF NWA Executive Director Jody Dilday introduced the speakers for the evening: scholarship recipient Justin Lee, father of three, and 2007 graduate Deana Duncan, mother of two.
“The Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas makes it possible for these single parents to complete their degrees. We are sending a message that the community believes in them and is encouraging them,” Dilday told the crowd. “What better way to see the results of your investment than to hear from some of the people we have supported?”
Lee and Duncan shared their stories of how the support from SPSF NWA affected their families and their lives.
“I am so passionate about this organization because they have truly helped transform my family’s story,” said Duncan, who now serves as the alumni president on the board for SPSF NWA and has been financially independent for several years. “No matter if all you can afford is to give your time, just know you are making a difference in single parent families across our community.”
The evening raised some $15,000, 100 percent of which will go toward scholarships and support programs. With the bulk of administrative costs funded by a private family foundation, SPSF NWA is able to put all donations directly into supporting single parents. Dilday informed those in attendance that their support in 2015 allowed for more than $280,000 in scholarships to be awarded to more than 100 families.
After the speakers shared their stories, Dilday updated those in attendance about the progress of the Pathway to Prosperity Campaign. The campaign was started in the fall of 2014 to counter the loss of one of the organization’s largest grants by raising $3 million. As of the Jingle Mingle event, the SPSF NWA had raised just under $2.66 million. To find out about volunteer opportunities or to make a donation, visit spsfnwa.org.