- On April 6, 2023, the FNBC Student Commons Area at Ozarka College was filled with enthusiasm and positive energy from attendees of the Ozarka College Foundation Spring Gala. Ozarka's Foundation hosted this event with the theme, " Empowering Futures" and the presenting sponsor was FNBC Bank.   Dr. Richard Dawe, Ozarka College President, welcomed the crowd of more than 250 attendees and spoke about successes shared by the College this past year. After a short welcome Marty Sellars, FNBC Bank President and CEO, offered a blessing followed by attendees enjoying a gourmet dinner prepared by Ozarka College's Culinary Arts department. Guests were served a wonderful meal followed by our proud alumna, Mesa Barger who shared her story with patrons. Barger highlighted the major role the College and Ozarka's Foundation scholarships played in her success.  

Ozarka Trustee, Mike Watson prepared guests for the live auction that would close out the evening's festivities. He announced that Sissy's Log Cabin donated a beautiful diamond bracelet and earrings set that each highest bidder would be entered into a drawing for a chance to win at the end of the auction. Auctioneer, Tony Watson, then auctioned off several items that were generously donated by local community members and businesses. After a successful auction raising significant money for Ozarka scholarships and programs, Watson, Ozarka College Trustee, then shared a few closing remarks and thanked everyone in attendance of the 2023 Spring Gala.      

Special thanks to presenting sponsor: FNBC Bank, corporate gold sponsors: Finnegan Health Services and White River Health; corporate sponsors: Baxter Health, G.H. Miller & Sons, King Rhodes Real Estate, Mike Watson-State Farm, and Sissy's Log Cabin; community sponsors: Air Ready, Arch Westmorland Farm Supply, Bank of Cave City, Bank of Salem, Cadence Bank, Cooper's Hawk, Emerson, Evolve Bank & Trust, First Community Bank, First Service Bank, FutureFuel Chemical Co., Hatfield Ready Mix, Izard County Heating & Cooling, Izard County Propane, John Gay, Knowles True Value, Mark's Pharmacy, Marc Phillips, North Arkansas Electric Cooperative, North Arkansas Industrial Services and Solutions, REMAX Edge - Brandy Corter, REMAX Edge - Lee Ann Thomas,   Townsend Spice & Supply and United Country Real Estate.