September 1, 2016
– LaKisha Johnson, Executive Director of Sickle Cell Awareness Center (SCSS); Kimberly Lee, Board Member; Phanie Wicks, American Red Cross; Pastor Neal Scoggins of City of Refuge, Sponsor for Sickle Cell Awareness Day 2016. During the month of September, Sickle Cell Support Services will be hosting a series of events to bring awareness to Sickle Cell and also raise funds. A Blood Drive will be held in memory of Germaine Johnson, Sr., the Founder of SCSS, Saturday, September 3rd from 9am-2pm at Greater Friendship Church, 4640 Springer Blvd. in Little Rock. All presenting donors will receive an American Red Cross Duffle Bag, while supplies last. To schedule an appointment, visit www.redcross.org (sponsor code: SCSS). Must bring photo I.D. Join them and learn more about Sickle Cell and enjoy fun and family oriented atmosphere. For more information on this event or other events throughout the month of September, call 501-650-0764 or visit www.sicklecellsupportservices.com.
– Little Miss Sydney Hopson and grandmother Rene Henderson. Seven-year-old Sydney Hopson is known as the “ABC Girl” for her ability to recite Bible verses corresponding with the letters A thru Z, as well as memorizing chapters of the King James Bible. The Conway native also plays the piano — she’s a student at the Central Arkansas Community School of Music — and sings. Her manager, aka her grandmother, Rene Henderson, said she realized Sydney had an extraordinary talent for memorization when she was 5. Little Miss Sydney’s schedule is filling up with public appearances; she has entertained the governor of Arkansas, won a national talent show, was featured at the National Baptist Convention. On the 23rd of September, the first grader will travel to Washington, DC for the grand-opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture at the Smithsonian Institution. President Barack Obama will lead the dedication as well as the ribbon cutting ceremony. Donations have helped pay for Sydney’s piano lessons, gas to travel to events and even her tuition at the private school. For speaking engagements, donations or to learn more about the “ABC Girl,” call 501-697-3346 or email ABCgirlGrandma@gmail.com.
– Dennis Milligan, Treasurer of the State of Arkansas for “Coloring for College” Contest. Treasurer of the State, Dennis Milligan, in conjunction with the Arkansas 529 College Savings Board has launched a contest, “Coloring for College” open to all Arkansas kindergarten students who will have the opportunity to win $529 in a college savings plan account. The contest begins on September 1, 2016 and ends on September 30, 2016. One winner from each county will be selected by a random drawing on October 5, 2016 to be held at the office of the Treasurer of State. The winner will be announced on October 6, 2016. For more contest rules, additional information and entry forms visit www.Arkansas529.org.
*Sponsored by the State of Arkansas, the GIFT Plan is a college tuition savings program administered by the state of Arkansas Section 529 Plan Review Committee, The name “529” refers to the Internal Revenue Code section dealing with this type of college savings tool. While there are other types of college saving vehicles, 529 plans offers several unique features that can help families keep pace with the rising cost of a college education.
