LITTLE ROCK — A pre-Coon Supper reception held by former U.S. Rep. Marion Berry will now serve as a scholarship fundraiser, his family announced Tuesday.
The Jan. 12 reception is held at the Berry farm hours before the annual Gillett Coon Supper. Arkansas politicos, locals and interested foodies attend the decades-old supper in Arkansas County, where smoked and barbecued raccoon is served.
Berry, who represented the 1st Congressional District for seven terms, didn’t seek re-election in 2010, citing health problems. In June 2010, he had surgery for a brain tumor and was later diagnosed with lymphoma. He missed the 2011 Gillett Coon Supper and the pre-dinner reception on his farm.
“As you know, Dad was not able to attend last year due to his health, so I think the Republicans felt safe showing up,” Berry’s son, Mitch Berry, said in a news release. “I hope people of all political stripes will show up for the reception again this year to support this bi-partisan cause, and then go to the Coon Supper to support the community of Gillett.”
The supper started in the 1940s to raise money for athletics at Gillett High School and has grown into a nationally recognized political event. It is sponsored by The Gillett Farmers and Businessmen’s Club.
It is held in the Gillett Auditorium beginning at 6:30 p.m. Larry Bauer, treasurer of the club, said tickets are $20. More information is available by calling Bauer at (870) 830-4002.
The event raises money for scholarships for students who would have attended Gillett High School and to other educational programs in the area. The high school closed in 2009 when enrollment at the Gillett School District dropped below 350 students — a number mandated by the state. Students are bused to nearby DeWitt.
Dozens of politicians and politicos normally attend the reception held at the Berry farm across U.S. 165 from the Gillett city limits. Gov. Mike Beebe has said his political career began at the event in 1982.
“I am not exactly sure how long it has been going on, but I turn 40 this year, and I always remember it happening,” Mitch Berry said.
The Marion and Carolyn Berry Scholarship will go to an Arkansas State University student who shows an interest in public policy and public service.
“Our first goal will be to raise an endowment where the proceeds will fund the scholarship,” Mitch Berry said. “We will then be able to determine the amount of the scholarship.”
The reception begins at 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 12. Tickets will be $30.
Arkansas, Pages 15 on 11/28/2012