MATCHING GIFT – Matt Cleveland (center) of the Youth Ranch accepts a ceremonial check of $7,500 from Micah Beard (left) and Ashley Engles of Citizens Bank, which pledged to match “Giving Tuesday” donations to the Youth Ranch, up to $7,500. All told, more than $67,000 was raised to support the Youth Ranch, which provides a home for displaced children.
The United Way of North Central Arkansas is the latest organization to step up to ensure a Merry Christmas for the youth who have found a home at the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch, based in Batesville.
More than $67,000 was donated by more than 135 individuals and companies to the Youth Ranch on “Giving Tuesday,” boosted by a daylong fundraising event held by Citizens Bank and the White River Now family of radio stations.
Since the Youth Ranch has previously not been included in the United Way’s annual Angel Tree program, United Way decided to generously offer Walmart gift cards to help the 18 children, ages five to 18, who live at the Youth Ranch fulfill their Christmas wishes.
IT’S ALL IN THE CARDS – Holding gift cards provided to the Youth Ranch children are (from left) Kim Tucker of United Way, Chad Whiteaker of White River Now, Melinda Light of United Way, Eddie Woodruff of White River Now, Ashley Engles of Citizens Bank, and Matt Cleveland of the Youth Ranch. (Images via Citizens Bank)
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