Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – February 9, 2025 – An event planned around the year’s biggest athletic event has turned into Jonesboro’s newest fundraising success story.
Super Bowl Bash 2025 supports Ag for Autism, an allegiance of local businesses dedicated to helping local children and families affected by autism. Sunday’s event was held at the Gardens at Harmony event center on Parker Road.
Zach Owens, Vice President, Ag for Autism
“Bowl Bash is our single biggest fundraiser,” said Zach Owens, Vice President of Ag for Autism. “This is when we ask the local community to come out and raise money for the autism community.”
“$200,000 is kind of our benchmark. In the past we’ve raised just over $100,000 with this event, but we’ve grown it substantially,” Owens said. “Proceeds will be channeled to area autism research and therapy programs.”
The event included food, drink, live and silent auctions, and plenty of televisions to catch the big game. “The Super Bowl gives you everything you need. Halftime shows, pregame, you got all the entertainment you need throughout the game.”
Jonesboro Media Group’s Phil Jamison (left) and Mitch Mahan
Jonesboro Media Group’s Phil Jamison served as emcee for the event. “I am honored to be the emcee,” Jamison said. “The agricultural community is great to help those affected by autism.”
The Ag for Autism organization has been in existence for 13 years according to Owens. “It was small in the beginning, but we have crossed the $1.1 million mark, “Owens said.”All that money, 100% of it is gone, all donated back out in Northeast Arkansas surrounding communities to the local school systems, local therapy providers, individual kids and their families, and the things they need.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States are diagnosed with autism. This statistic represents a significant increase from previous decades, reflecting growing awareness and improved diagnostic practices.