Nonprofit Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) is hosting its second annual statewide fundraiser. Presented by Carol and Witt Stephens, The Lunch Break is set for 11:30 am. on Oct. 17 at City Center in Little Rock.

The luncheon will include keynote speaker Dr. Sherece Y. West-Scantlebury of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation. She will be accompanied by 2024 scholarship recipient Brianna Boen, a single mom of three working on her bachelor’s degree at Arkansas Tech University, and 2011 scholarship recipient Kwami Abdul-Bey, a candidate for Arkansas House District 69 in Central Arkansas.

“Single parent families are beautiful, positive, legitimate families,” West-Scantlebury said. “The more education we can get our single parents — it changes the trajectory of that family. It changes the trajectory of that family’s future.”

Proceeds from the event benefit ASPSF scholarships and student support. The organization assists low-income single parent students, helping them stay in school, graduate, and start a career with family-supporting wages. More information about The Lunch Break is below, or you can visit aspsf.org/lunchbreak:

At the event, ASPSF will also announce the winners of the 2024 Outstanding Partner Awards, which recognize individuals, companies, and schools for their exceptional support to single parent students. The finalists, nominated by ASPSF students and supporters, include:

• Outstanding Philanthropy Partner Finalists:  Edelma Simes of Phillips County, Freda Calloway of Drew County, and Mary Kate Snow of Pulaski County.
• Outstanding Corporate Partner Finalists:  Simmons Bank, Southern Bancorp, and Wear & Share Inc.
• Outstanding School Partner Finalists, Enrollment Over 2,500:  Texarkana College, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and UA – Pulaski Technical College
• Outstanding School Partner Finalists, Enrollment Under 2,500: Arkansas Northeastern College, East Arkansas Community College, and North Arkansas College

The Lunch Break would not be possible without the support of sponsors. The event’s Presenting Sponsor is Carol and Witt Stephens, and Gold Sponsors are Baptist Health, Conger Wealth Management, Little Rock Public Radio, Simmons Bank, The Rebsamen Fund, UALR, and UA – Pulaski Tech. A full list of sponsors is available online at aspsf.org/lunchbreak.

It’s not too late to invest in single parent success! Contact ASPSF Annual Giving Officer Wendy Stotts at (870) 277-0956 or wstotts@aspsf.org to learn more about sponsorships.  For media inquiries or further information, contact ASPSF Communications Director Jen Para at jpara@aspsf.org or (501) 550-6304.