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H.O.W.L. Transition Gala is Evening of Excitement on March 7

02/18/2020

JONESBORO – Current and future students in the H.O.W.L. (Helping Our Wolves Learn) Transition Program at Arkansas State University will be the beneficiaries of the first Howling 20s Gala, a fundraiser and celebration for the program, on Saturday, March 7.

Expected to become an annual affair, the gala organizers are promising the "ritziest event of the season," with live country music by A-State alumnus and former "Voice" contestant Cory Jackson, along with delicious food, dancing and a silent auction to raise scholarship support. 

The evening's keynote speaker will be Karen Gaffney, believed to be the first person with Down syndrome to earn an honorary doctorate.  Gaffney is president of a non-profit organization that advocates full inclusion in families, schools, the workplace and the community for people with intellectual disabilities. 

The master of ceremonies for the evening will be Brian Rega, president of the Rotary Club of Jonesboro.  Those attending are encouraged to dress in 1920s attire.

The H.O.W.L. (Help Our Wolves Learn) Transition Program is committed to providing positive learning environments for students with intellectual disabilities and/or autism.

H.O.W.L provides crucial services to program students, such as mentoring, career planning and specialized classes.  These services aid in ensuring the success of the H.O.W.L. students not only while on campus, but also as they transition into the workforce and adulthood.

Funds raised through the Howling 20s Gala and the evening of entertainment will be directed into program scholarships for qualified students and resources to support the Transition Program.

The Howling 20s Gala runs from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. in the ballroom of Centennial Hall in the Carl R. Reng Student Union (GPS 102 N. Caraway Road).

Individual tickets are only $60 ($45 for students) and may be purchased at the A-State online marketplace.  For information about table prices and donations to support the Howling 20s Gala, one may contact coordinator Elizabeth Snow, esnow@AState.edu or (870) 680-8504.

More information about the HOWL Transition Program is available online.

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Karen Gaffney
Karen Gaffney
Keynote Speaker