The Samford University Auxiliary will host two spring events benefitting a scholarship fund that will allow a student from Big Oak Ranch to attend Samford.
A Christian home for children needing a chance, Big Oak Ranch consists of three facilities in northeast Alabama: homes for boys and girls, and Westbrook Christian School.
Through the two April events, the public is invited to support the Auxiliary’s goal to raise $500,000 to endow the scholarship, which would include tuition, books, room and board for four years.
A trio of talented guests will present a varied program on Tuesday, April 27, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in Harrison Theatre at Samford.
Speakers are chef Chris Hastings, co-owner of Birmingham’s Hot and Hot Fish Club; award-winning architect and designer Phillip Sides; and humorist and author Melinda Rainey Thompson, author of SWAG: Southern Women Aging Gracefully.
General admission is $30. A $200 ticket features perks that include a special reception, luncheon with speakers, signed books and more.
A gala on Thursday, April 29 will feature a 7:30 p.m. dinner and live auction at Vestavia Country Club.
Big Oak Ranch founder and executive director John Croyle will speak at the dinner and assist with the auction of 10 uniquely Samford items. Auction items include fine art, a catered luncheon at a country retreat and an English bulldog puppy.
Gala tickets are $50. A patron ticket, which includes a pre-dinner reception, is $100. Reservation deadline is April 26.
For information on either program, call (205) 726-4373.
The 922-member Samford Auxiliary has a long history of providing scholarships for deserving students. This year, 15 students receive Auxiliary scholarships totaling $53,987.