30th Annual Arkansas Children’s Award Dinner Record-Breaking Success!
11/03/2025

Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches celebrated a landmark moment Wednesday, October 29, hosting its 30th Annual Arkansas Children’s Award Dinner, honoring business leader and philanthropist Rush Harding, and raising a record-breaking $355,000 to continue its mission of providing safe and loving homes for Arkansas children in need.

The event drew more than 600 ASYR supporters to the Grand Ballroom at the Little Rock Marriott Hotel. Guests enjoyed a reception, dinner, silent and live auction, and the award presentation. Longtime ASYR supporter and former Arkansas Razorback David Bazzel, and voice of Morning Mayhem on 103.7 The BUZZ, served as master of ceremonies. Presenting sponsor for the event was Cache Restaurant, and diamond sponsors were Rush Hal Development, the Schueck Family Foundation, and Stone Ward.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Arkansas Children’s Award to Harding, a Clarendon native, whose decades of generosity have impacted communities across the state. Harding and his wife, Linda, have opened countless doors for Arkansas children to learn, grow, and succeed, perfectly embodying the heart and mission of ASYR.

One of the most powerful moments of the dinner came when Meira, a ninth grader and current resident of the Ranch, shared her story. “At the Ranch, I’ve learned who I am. I’ve learned to care for others, to lead, to believe in myself, and to love who I am, inside and out,” said Meira. “Today, I stand here as someone who’s not broken, but rebuilt. Someone who believes in herself. Someone who’s ready to keep growing, to go to college–hopefully at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA)–and to one day help other children who’ve gone through what I have. Because if my story can prove anything, it’s that no matter how hard life starts out, it doesn’t have to end that way.” You can watch Meira tell her story on our YouTube channel here.

Inspired by her words, Harding, a proud UCA alumnus and supporter, surprised guests by announcing he would cover Meira’s tuition, fees, and housing to ensure her education is covered following high school.

“For three decades, this event has highlighted the power of Arkansans who step up for children in need,” said Nancy Fulton, CEO of the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches. “This year, we celebrate Rush while also celebrating every child whose future is brighter because of the Ranch.”

The Ranch is 100 percent privately funded, and with generous support from the community, it supplies all the needs associated with raising a child, from finding loving houseparents to providing safe shelter, medical care, healthy food, clothing, and educational expenses. Click here to make a tax-deductible donation to the mission of the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches.

Watch our 30th annual Arkansas Children’s Award Dinner via YouTube:

Check out photos from the Dinner at our Facebook page:

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

MANY THANKS! to our generous sponsors for helping us honor Rush Harding for his big-hearted generosity and for making our 30th annual Arkansas Children’s Award Dinner a record-breaking success for the boys and girls who call the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches, “home.”