Pre-Coon Supper Reception Hopes To Fully Endow Berry Scholarship

Last year’s pre-Coon Supper reception in Gillett came close to fully endowing a scholarship to Arkansas State University in the name of former Congressman Marion Berry (D) and his wife, Carolyn.

Event planners are once again hosting the pre-supper meeting in hopes of fully funding the scholarship in 2014.

“After the amazing response we received this year, we really want to build on that momentum.” said Mitch Berry, son of Marion and Carolyn Berry. “We raised nearly $13,000 for the scholarship and if we do a little better this year, we will be able to fully endow the scholarship. That is our goal.”

The Marion and Carolyn Berry Scholarship will be awarded to a qualifying ASU student who shows an interest in public policy and public service. A primary focus of the scholarship will be to encourage the next generation of leaders to participate in public service through internships with a member of the Arkansas congressional delegation.

“Mom and Dad had a great time last year, seeing so many old friends and making new ones. They were honored and humbled that so many folks came to support the scholarship that carries their name,” said Berry. “The community of Gillett is a very special place, and this is a great event for people from both parties and from all across the state to see.”

The Gillett Coon Supper, hosted by the Gillett Farmers and Businessman’s Club, will be held on January 11. Held at the local school auditorium, it is one of the mandatory stops on the political campaign circuit. The Gillett Coon Supper begins at 6:30 pm.

The pre-supper reception will start at 3:30 pm at the Berry farm shop. Tickets are $40 each, and there are hosting opportunities.