David Bazzel was the honoree -- or the target -- at the sold-out 41st annual Roast and Toast benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas on Aug. 14 at Embassy Suites.
Thirteen roasters lined up to razz the Bazz, a former Razorback football player. They were Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Beth Hunt, Bill Vickery, Frank Fletcher, Joe Kleine, Keith Jackson, Matt Jones, Pat Bradley, Rex Nelson, Roger Scott, Steve Sullivan, Tommy Smith and Wally Hall. In addition, there were various filmed pot shots sent in by a variety of friends, including University of Arkansas Athletic Director Jeff Long, UA Football Coach Brett Bielema, and country music singer Justin Moore.
Hutchinson noted that Bazzel, originally from Florida, stayed in Arkansas after graduating from the university .
"He's given his time and talent to our state again and again. There hasn't been a charity event he hasn't emceed, a church he hasn't spoken to, a youth group he hasn't inspired or a girl he hasn't hugged."
Some of the roasting was not suitable for a family newspaper, causing the honoree at one point to shout with a laugh to his mom, Carolyn Branch, "It's not true!"
But it was all in good fun and to raise money for the nonprofit, which pairs young people who may not have one or both parents with adult mentors and friends. Master of ceremonies Chris Kane said children improve their outlook for the future, have better school attendance and make better grades when involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters.
-- Story and photos by Cary Jenkins
High Profile on 08/23/2015