Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas (BBBSCA) has been honoring individuals for thirty-four years through their annual fundraising event, Toast & Roast. From Frank Broyles to Johnny Cash, each year someone different is honored. This year Lu Hardin, president of the University of Central Arkansas (UCA), is the selected honoree with friends Bill Vickery, Sheffield Nelson, Rush Harding III and Governor Beebe (via video) serving as toasters and roasters during the program. The event will be held at the Peabody Hotel Ballroom on August 21, 2008 beginning at 6 p.m.

Many honorees have left lasting impressions on each Toast & Roast. Leslie Heizman, co-chairman for the 34th Annual Toast & Roast, remembers several of them. Three of her favorite honorees are Msg. Paul for serving as a mentor and teacher to so many young men, Paul Eells for being truly kind and one of the finest men she has ever known, and Craig O'Neill for being such a large supporter of BBBSCA and kid-friendly causes over the years.

Craig, making his thirteenth appearance at the 2008 Toast & Roast, will be serving as emcee. While his years of involvement with the event are impressive, Msg. George Tribou, former rector of Catholic High School, holds the record with fifteen appearances. Tribou was one of many who believed in the mission of BBBSCA, which is to provide children the opportunity to reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships.

Once a black tie event, the dress is now business attire as the event takes place in the heat of summer. Since 1999 there has been some version of an auction tied to Toast & Roast. This year there will be a live auction, silent auction, and online auction for those who can not attend the event.

No matter what Toast & Roast was or will become, one thing remains the same. All the proceeds from the event ensure more children have the opportunity to be paired with a person outside the family setting to serve as a positive role model in their lives. As BBBSCA celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, lives are being changed thanks to the many people who champion mentoring in Central Arkansas by attending and supporting Toast & Roast.