The weather was beautiful on March 31, 2016 and the Ozarka College Foundation Spring Gala was yet again a huge success. The 2016 Spring Gala took place in the FNBC Student Commons Area of the Student Services Center, at Ozarka College in Melbourne, Arkansas.  

This year's theme was, "Make a Difference! Endow, Educate, Empower " and the presenting sponsor was Centennial Bank.   Dr. Richard Dawe, Ozarka College President, welcomed the crowd of more than 250 attendees and spoke about successes shared by the College this past year. Bob Evins, Ozarka College Trustee, offered a blessing prior to attendees enjoying a steak dinner prepared by Ozarka College's Culinary Arts Department.

Guests were served a wonderful meal followed by sponsor recognition and student speaker introduction by Suellen Davidson, Ozarka College Director of Advancement. Student speaker, Whitney Mendoza, spoke about her need to return to school, concerns she had about doing so with being a wife and mother, and the wonderful experiences she has had as a student in the Nursing program. Whitney also shared that none of that would have been possible without the help of generous donors who funded scholarships that she has received during her enrollment at Ozarka.

Following Whitney's speech was a video created by Erica Roark, Ozarka College Alumna. The video was very moving, as it captured the journey students take while fulfilling their educational goals at Ozarka College.

Foundation Board Chair, Mike Watson, prepared guests for the live auction that would close out the evening's festivities. He announced that Sissy's Log Cabin donated a beautiful ruby and diamond necklace that each highest bidder would be entered into a drawing for a chance to win at the end of the auction. Auctioneer, Tony Watson, then auctioned off several items that were generously donated by local community members and businesses. Mike then shared closing remarks and thanked everyone who attended the 2016 Spring Gala.  

Special thanks to presenting sponsor: Centennial Bank, and corporate sponsors: ARcare, Arch Westmoreland Farm Supply, Bank of Cave City, Baxter Regional Medical Center, FNBC Bank, Gammill Oil Company, G.H. Miller and Sons, Izard County Propane, Mark's Pharmacy/SonShine Shoppe, Ozark Adult Personal Care, Valic, and White River Health Systems.   Also, thank you to the table sponsors: AirReady, Andy Peeler - Stephens, Inc., BancorpSouth, First Community Bank, First Service Bank, FNBC Bank, Freedom Ford, Garry Lawrence Rentals, Hatfield Ready Mix, Mark Martin Chevrolet, Mike Watson State Farm, North Arkansas Electric Cooperative, Paul Miller Motors, and White River Health Care & Rehab.