Hope For All COVID-19 Relief Fundraiser Set For Thursday

By Ken McLemore/Hope Public Schools, 05/18/20 5:35 PM

HOPE – Hempstead Hall is the venue for a line-up of local talent and community spirit to support the Hope for All COVID-19 Relief Fund organized by local leaders to provide financial assistance to Hope and Hempstead County residents directly affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

“This will be a mix of performers, pre-recorded videos, host stories, and calls to action; somewhat akin to a PBS telethon,” Hempstead Hall Director Amanda Lance said.

The fun starts at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 21, online at www.SWARK.today, which will provide the video feed for the show. Hosts will include Hope/Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Beckie Moore, University of Arkansas-Hope/Texarkana Chancellor Chris Thomason, and community volunteers Chris Smith, John Hollis, Bob Erwin and Sharon Caldwell.

The entertainment line-up tentatively includes Arnetta Bradford, Rusty Hart, Mae Estes, South Down Main, Jennifer Wright, The SWActors, Brady Rhodes and more, Lance said.

HOPE for All:COVID-19 Relief Fund is specifically designed as a supplemental relief effort for those who have been laid off, lost employment, furloughed, or who have become underemployed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

HOPE for All is intended to provide supplemental food, funds for utilities, funds for housing and funds for transportation during the COVID-19 pandemic, and is being administered in collaboration with Hope In Action.

HOPE for All: COVID-19 Relief Fund organizers are asking Hope and Hempstead County residents for contributions to put the concept into action. Funds raised for HOPE for All during the fundraiser tonight will be deposited in a separate bank account created by Hope in Action.

Donations may be mailed to Hope in Action, 606 W. Third St., Hope, Ar., 71801, or can be made directly to HOPE for All: COVID-19 Relief Fund at Farmer’s Bank, 201 E. Third St., or by mail to Farmer’s Bank at P.O. Box 520, Hope, Ar., 71802-0520. For information on donation account designation or other questions, please contact Catherine Cook at 870-703-9811 or Hope In Action at 777-8227 during business hours.