On April 3, 2025, the FNBC Student Commons Area at Ozarka College was filled with enthusiasm and positive energy from more than 250 attendees of the Ozarka College Foundation Spring Gala. Ozarka's Foundation hosted this event themed, "Dreams Realized through Education" and the presenting sponsor was FNBC Bank.  The Spring Gala is the Foundation's signature fundraising event each year. The 2025 Gala was a record success totaling nearly $84,000 raised for Ozarka students and programs.

"The incredible success of this year's Gala is a testament to the unwavering dedication our communities have shown to Ozarka over the past 50 years, "said Marcus Orf, vice president of advancement. "As we celebrate five decades of dreams realized through education, we are inspired by the generosity and support that make our students' success possible. "

Dr. Josh Wilson, Ozarka College President, kicked off the event by welcoming guests and speaking about successes shared by the College in the past and the promise of a bright future ahead. After the welcome, Daniel Busch, FNBC Bank vice president, commercial lending officer and Foundation Board Chair, offered a blessing followed by attendees enjoying a gourmet dinner prepared by Ozarka College's Culinary Arts department. After a wonderful meal, April Killian, Ozarka College director of development introduced guest speaker and Ozarka student, Samantha Franks, who shared her story with patrons. Franks highlighted the major role the College has played in her journey as she pursues a career in education. Following Samantha's address, Wilson thanked guests once more for their support and discussed how this year's theme sets the stage for the next 50 years of education.

After the announcement, Ozarka Trustee 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 diamond bracelet, earrings, and a watch that each highest bidder would have a chance to win at the end of the auction and the choice of which item to take home. Auctioneer, Tony Watson, then auctioned off 40 items generously donated by local community members and businesses. After a successful auction, Mike Watson, shared a few closing remarks and thanked everyone in attendance of the 2025 Spring Gala.      

Special thanks to presenting sponsor: FNBC Bank, corporate gold sponsors: First National Bank of Izard County, Bad Boy, White River Health, Mike Watson - State Farm, REMAX Edge, Bank of Cave City; corporate silver sponsors: Farm Bureau - Izard County, Izard County Abstract, Farco, River's Edge Cabin, United Country Real Estate, First Community Bank, Baxter Health, G.H. Miller & Sons, community sponsors: Air Ready, Bank of Salem, Cadence Bank, Cooper's Hawk, Emerson, Evolve Bank & Trust, 1^st Choice Healthcare, Farm Bureau - Tim Wilson, Townsend Spice & Supply, Hatfield Ready Mix, J&J Construction, Fowlkes Family Trust, John Gay - Private Wealth Management, Knowles True Value, Arch Westmoreland Farm Supply; and a whole host of guests who bought tickets to support the event.