The Arkansas Center for Independence (ACI), formerly known as the ‘Jackson County Learning Center’ is hosting their ‘Penguin Dip Family Fun Festival’ fundraiser, Saturday, March 10 at Jacksonport State Park at 10 a.m. All proceeds raised will directly benefit the ACI building fund for a new day program facility, according to a news release announcing the event.
“Our goal is to raise $15,000, which will be used to benefit our building fund for a new day program center,” said Glenda Rutledge-May, executive director. “Our current facility was built in 1959 and is in disrepair. We need a new building that provides a safe and healthy environment for our clients to learn. ACI provides day-to-day support and services to adults with developmental disabilities to improve their daily life skills, become more independent and fully integrated into society. Without donations from individuals and organizations in our community, this would not be possible.
“The Penguin Dip concept is simple. You first form a team or you can participate as an individual. We will provide you with pledge forms and an information packet. Then you will start asking your family, friends and personal contacts to make a donation for ‘dipping’ into the White River for the ACI building fund. On the day of the event, Saturday, March 10 at 11 a.m., participants will jump into the freezing cold waters at Jacksonport State Park for the ‘coolest’ winter sandbar party in Jackson County. Last year, we were able to raise a little over $14,000, which was our record high. Since we hit our goal last year, we are challenging more people to form a team and take the Penguin Dip, such as industry leaders, executives, law enforcement officials and restaurants. With the continued support, this goal can be easily accomplished but we need your participation in order to make it happen.”
Nick Statler, marketing and special projects coordinator for ACI, has been challenging all businesses and organizations in Newport to put together a team(s) to help make the fundraiser a success. Now, ACI is challenging the community of Newport to take the quest to jump in the frigid White River for a wonderful cause, the release notes.
To take the Penguin Dip without jumping into the cold waters, sponsorship levels are available for contributors to the ACI building fund. Sponsorship levels include: $100 – Bronze, $250 – Silver, $500 – Gold, and $1000 Platinum sponsors will receive a plaque that will be displayed in the new building.
To participate in the ‘Penguin Dip’, or be a sponsor, call ACI at (870) 523-8488 or mail your sponsorship to P.O. Box 785, Newport, AR 72112.
Checks can be made payable to Arkansas Center for Independence. Donations are tax deductible.
