Classy Move By Both Mike Anderson and Bret Bielema

[Vantage 8 dude]

For any of you who might have missed it a very classy move by the head coaches of our two largest sports programs. Both Mike Anderson and Bret Bielema participated in a fund raiser last evening at Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock. The event, designed to help raise monies for tornado recovery in Mayflower and Vilonia, drew a crowd of over 8,000. Admission was free, however, attendees were asked to prove a donation to help the clean up and recovery efforts for the two towns.

Both the HCs, who spoke with the two teams before the game, were prominate not only their attendance, but made themselves available for interviews and pics during the event. It's also been rumored that both men made meaningful financial contributions to the recovery fund(s) as well.

Whatever any of us might think of, favorably or otherwise, either one or both men I think their selfless actions speak volumes of their character and commitment to the state and its people. Like so many other citizens of the "Natural State" they realize that we truly are another's brothers and sisters who have an obligation to our fellow Arkansans in time of need. Kudos to them (and everyone else) for their efforts!!

BTW it's my understanding that over $100k was raised through the event. Once again the "home crowd" comes through in a big way.

[Huckleberry Pig]

One of the first things I noticed when attending the UofA (from Dallas) was the strong sense of community everyone from Arkansas had for their state.  Have never seen a state where communities take care of each other like Arkansas communities do.  One of the many reasons I hope to move back soon.

Incidents like this definitely put things into perspective.  Great to hear about the coaches taking part, not something either of them had to do.  Thanks for sharing Vintage.

WPS

[hoglady]

Yes - we should be very proud of both men for standing up when it matters most. A big "thank you" to both coaches for representing themselves and the UofA well.

[Vantage 8 dude]

One of the first things I noticed when attending the UofA (from Dallas) was the strong sense of community everyone from Arkansas had for their state.  Have never seen a state where communities take care of each other like Arkansas communities do.  One of the many reasons I hope to move back soon.

Incidents like this definitely put things into perspective.  Great to hear about the coaches taking part, not something either of them had to do.  Thanks for sharing Vintage.

WPS

You're welcome and thanks for your observations. You're totally correct when you mention the sharing and caring attitude of Arkansans for one another. I have the privilege of working with a nonprofit that interacts with various communities around the state dealing with the homeless, hungry and otherwise needy. I'm constantly amazed, although I shouldn't be, at the genuine caring seen time and time again within this state. A truly "what can I do to help" culture that everyone should take pride in. No wonder Arkansas continually ranks in the top 5 as far as per-capita giving. I suppose one could say that while many in the state may not have a lot to give, what they have they'll readily share with others. Another one of the MANY things that makes me so proud to call Arkansas home.

[ifghog]

Says a lot about them both

[Vantage 8 dude]

Says a lot about them both

Again, I totally agree. I know a lot of folks have issues with one or both of them, however, let no one ever say they don't give back. IMO while we're ultimately paying them for wins, it certainly goes a long way when they're genuinely giving back to the state "above and beyond" what's expected. I suspect there are other big name coaches around the country who might not be so generous with their time and money under similar circumstances.

[rzrbk4life]

Classy move. Those communities deserve all the support we can give them

[Karma]

Great move by them, and great thread.  Proud to be an Arkansan.

[LRRandy]

As the two prominent figures in this Hog loving state I thought it was great that they took time to lend their celebrity and add to the excitement of the event. Hats off to them both.

[Dark Helmet Hog]

Great job by both.

[secneahog]

Donating money is one thing, but to take time out of a busy period in recruiting and coaching game plan to talk to 8000 is amazing.

To hang around and talk, take pictures really shows those two guys character.

Again MA and BB show their class. Proud to have them.

[OLDHOG]

Yep. Classy coaches. Makes me Arkansas proud. Ya'll know what I'm talking about.

[The_Iceman]

Good job Coach Bielema and Coach Anderson!

[rzrbackramsfan]

They're awesome! Bret bielemas interview on knwa was funny to me for some reason. He was really positive, smiling: I've actually been through a tornado, one of the scariest moments in my life.

I noticed both coaches were really upbeat.  It was good to see.

[Break & Run]

We are very lucky to have two great "men" leading our programs.  Not many other schools can say that.

[DLUXHOG]

One of the first things I noticed when attending the UofA (from Dallas) was the strong sense of community everyone from Arkansas had for their state.  Have never seen a state where communities take care of each other like Arkansas communities do.  One of the many reasons I hope to move back soon.

Incidents like this definitely put things into perspective.  Great to hear about the coaches taking part, not something either of them had to do.  Thanks for sharing Vintage.

WPS

Bingo!  Also one of my top reasons for returning eventually,........

[farmhawg]

For any of you who might have missed it a very classy move by the head coaches of our two largest sports programs. Both Mike Anderson and Bret Bielema participated in a fund raiser last evening at Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock. The event, designed to help raise monies for tornado recovery in Mayflower and Vilonia, drew a crowd of over 8,000. Admission was free, however, attendees were asked to prove a donation to help the clean up and recovery efforts for the two towns.

Both the HCs, who spoke with the two teams before the game, were prominate not only their attendance, but made themselves available for interviews and pics during the event. It's also been rumored that both men made meaningful financial contributions to the recovery fund(s) as well.

Whatever any of us might think of, favorably or otherwise, either one or both men I think their selfless actions speak volumes of their character and commitment to the state and its people. Like so many other citizens of the "Natural State" they realize that we truly are another's brothers and sisters who have an obligation to our fellow Arkansans in time of need. Kudos to them (and everyone else) for their efforts!!

BTW it's my understanding that over $100k was raised through the event. Once again the "home crowd" comes through in a big way.

Classy for both of them.

[MrThunderhog]

Very inspirational gesture by both coaches to take time from their schedules to show support for the state. I applaud them both.

While my niece was having her first of 2 thus far open heart surgeries at Arkansas Childrens Hospital Bobby and Becky Petrino made a very sizeable donation to redo the waiting room in the CVICU unit to add showers and better sleeping conditions for the parents who chose to stay there at night. 

[Vantage 8 dude]

Very inspirational gesture by both coaches to take time from their schedules to show support for the state. I applaud them both.

While my niece was having her first of 2 thus far open heart surgeries at Arkansas Childrens Hospital Bobby and Becky Petrino made a very sizeable donation to redo the waiting room in the CVICU unit to add showers and better sleeping conditions for the parents who chose to stay there at night.

I asked the same question of another poster who subsequently decided to delete his post: While I know the donation was pledged was it ever actually funded? There seems to be some confusion about this. I certainly have no knowledge either way.

[MrThunderhog]

 Im actually not sure but Im assuming it was because the construction was completed. ill make a phone call or two and see what I can find out. It happened a long time before the scandal so unless there was a long delay in the funding im gonna go out on a limb and say it was. If I find out otherwise I will update accordingly.

[Ugly Uncle]

Did I hear right that there were more people in attendance at the game than there is actual population of the two towns? 

Either way, what an amazing thing for the entire State that people would show up and support these towns and the kids playing ball.  I'm sure it was an emotional night for everyone there.

[Peter Porker]

I asked the same question of another poster who subsequently decided to delete his post: While I know the donation was pledged was it ever actually funded? There seems to be some confusion about this. I certainly have no knowledge either way.

The poster didnt delete it. I posted a response that it was "only" $250k and not a million like he said followed by a link, but it too was deleted. I think the mods don't want to dirty this thread with booby talk. Not sure why booby had to be brought up? He has nothing to do with the subject.

[WilsonHog]

The poster didnt delete it. I posted a response that it was "only" $250k and not a million like he said followed by a link, but it too was deleted. I think the mods don't want to dirty this thread with booby talk. Not sure why booby had to be brought up? He has nothing to do with the subject.

You just poured a truckload of dirt on it.

[MrThunderhog]

Im not sure whether or not CBP followed thru with his pledge. This is all I could find and it says they wont comment on private donations.

http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/32396/arkansas-childrens-hospital-cancels-petrino-golf-classic

[Vantage 8 dude]

Im not sure whether or not CBP followed thru with his pledge. This is all I could find and it says they wont comment on private donations.

http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/32396/arkansas-childrens-hospital-cancels-petrino-golf-classic

Appreciate your trying to get an final answer to the whole issue. Not sure we'll ever know for sure.

[Peter Porker]

You just poured a truckload of dirt on it.

I was only responding.

[WilsonHog]

I was only responding.

I know how this goes.

I've cleaned this thread once.

If allowed, what started out as a congratulatory thread for two Razorback coaches will wind up as a Bielema v. Petrino dumpster fire.

If that happens, I'm dropping the hammer on everyone involved for however many days I see fit.

[Vantage 8 dude]

I know how this goes.

I've cleaned this thread once.

If allowed, what started out as a congratulatory thread for two Razorback coaches will wind up as a Bielema v. Petrino dumpster fire.

If that happens, I'm dropping the hammer on everyone involved for however many days I see fit.

Thanks for ensuring this discussion doesn't degenerate into a "us" vs Petrino slugfest and debate.

[acey33]

Really...Why can't we as adults just discuss what these 2 (Our Coaches) did for our state and the area of need instead of bringing some other names into the discussion? Please show some Class like these Coaches did...Thank you

[Break & Run]

Did I hear right that there were more people in attendance at the game than there is actual population of the two towns? 

Either way, what an amazing thing for the entire State that people would show up and support these towns and the kids playing ball.  I'm sure it was an emotional night for everyone there.

There was 8,500 announced at the game.

Vilonia's population is around 4,200 and Mayflower population is around 2,500.

So yes, that is correct.

[Ugly Uncle]

There was 8,500 announced at the game.

Vilonia's population is around 4,200 and Mayflower population is around 2,500.

So yes, that is correct.

That is just amazing.  So proud of our state for responding like that.

[Tequilin' Time]

Well done by all involved in putting this together. 

So proud of my home state!!!!!

Never Yield

[Break & Run]

That is just amazing.  So proud of our state for responding like that.

Not gonna lie.  I was there and it brought a large sense of pride knowing that fellow Arkansans respond like they do when their neighbors are in a crisis situation.  The fire truck with the American flag was a nice touch too.

[Birminghog]

So proud of my home state!!!!!

Bofus, Hoggin'. And proud of Wilson for his vigilance. You go, homeboys!

[Rocket23]

Official attendance was 8,014

[Kevin]

classy move by both

[Oklahawg]

Great moment. Glad to call UA my alma mater. Again and again.