24 Feb 2025 Youth appreciation luncheon planned for Saturday; tickets on sale

The public is encouraged to celebrate the Youth Advocate and Resource Network’s (YARN) 2nd annual Volunteer Appreciation and the Berthenia L. Gill Youth Achievement Awards Luncheon at 11 a.m. this Saturday at Worsham Hall on the Hendrix College campus. Tickets are on sale at yarnkids.com or call 501.336.4726.

YARN is a faith-based nonprofit with headquarters in Mayflower (Faulkner County) that is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025. The organization is dedicated to motivating and supporting children and youth (ages 4-21) in rural Arkansas and has positively affected more than 4,060 families.

“YARN’s 40th anniversary is a testament to the power of community and compassion,” said Berthenia L. Gill, founder. “I am deeply grateful to the volunteers, donors and supporters who have made our work possible. Together, we are empowering youth to achieve their dreams.”

Its mission is to expose young people to diverse career paths, life skills, tutoring and higher education opportunities. To mark the anniversary, four events are planned for 2025. Maria Hoskins, YARN’s executive director and a former U.S. Department of Justice community outreach director, will serve as the planning chair for these events. The public is encouraged to attend, sponsor and donate silent auction items.

In addition to the March 1 luncheon, on April 12th YARN will host the Arkansas Author’s Children’s Book Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts on the University of Central Arkansas campus. The event will feature 18 Arkansas children’s book authors, live performances and interactive activities. The event is FREE, but registration is required. Visit yarnkids.com to RSVP.

A Youth Conference and Seminar is also planned for 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 7, and YARN will go on the road for a Travel ’N Learn Tour June 26-28 to Louisville, Kentucky, and Cincinnati, Ohio. 

Visit yarnkids.com to learn more.