GCBOR continues Special Olympics partnership with $10,000 donation
December 29 - January 4, 2026
A donation of $10,000 was presented to Special Olympics of Arkansas (SOAR) by the Greater Central Board of Realtors (formerly North Pulaski Board of Realtors) on December 16 at SOAR’s new facility on Main Street in North Little Rock. The funds were proceeds from the GCBOR Tabletop event on October 7, according to Brianna Keysacker, association executive of GCBOR.
“We do this event every year as a tradeshow for our affiliates and it is also our biggest fundraiser for Special Olympics,” Keysacker said.
“This year was Casino Night theme, so we had real casino games there that helped bring in money for this cause. The rest of the money comes from booth fees for our Affiliates and our favorite part, $1 tickets to get prizes that our brokers and some affiliates bring in. You bought tickets for one dollar each and put them in boxes that are in front of each prize, then we draw the winners at the end of the night. This was the most successful fundraiser we’ve ever done and we are so proud.” Arkansas Realtors have enjoyed a long partnership with SOAR and this newest donation comes on the heels of a $170,000 on October 2 from the Arkansas Realtors Association, which brought the ARA’s total contribution to the nonprofit to more than five million dollars since 1986.
“For nearly four decades, it has been a privilege for our members to support these remarkable athletes and witness their joy when training and competing,” said Wes Freeman, ARA president. “Communities are stronger when everyone feels included and empowered to achieve their full potential, and that’s just what Special Olympics Arkansas does.”
The funds raised by ARA’s 26 local REALTOR® boards will help advance SOAR’s mission to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. “Every dollar raised for Special Olympics Arkansas directly powers life-changing opportunities for athletes across the state,” said Camie Powell, director of marketing and partnerships for SOAR. “Funds support over 240 competitions in 17 sports annually, ensuring athletes can train, compete, and thrive — without ever paying a dime.”
SOAR currently serves 19,500 athletes, offering free training, competition and equipment for individuals with intellectual disabilities who are 2 and up. All SOAR programs encourage inclusion, team building and character development.
“We are dedicated to helping our Special Olympics Arkansas athletes compete, grow and thrive, both on and off the playing field,” said Terri Weir, SOAR CEO. “We are honored by the unwavering support of partners like the Arkansas REALTORS® Association, which helps transform lives through sports across our state.”
Donations also provide vital health and wellness screenings year-round, leadership development through the Athlete Leadership program, and inclusive events like Recfest, according to Powell. From uniforms and equipment to meals, travel, and awards, the Arkansas REALTORS® fundraising efforts cover costs tied to participation, she said.
“Young Athletes programs and Unified Champion Schools further extend our reach, offering early training, caregiver resources, and social-emotional learning in schools,” Powell said. “Most importantly, athletes can participate in any program, anywhere in Arkansas, as often as they choose — always free, always empowering.”
(Contents for this story courtesy of GCBOR, ARA and SOAR)
Photo Captions:
1. Members of the Greater Central Board of Realtors present a check for $10,000 to Special Olympics of Arkansas on December 15. Pictured left to right are Rhonda Williams - 2025 GCBOR president, Kassi Bell - GCBOR director, Ana Dallas - Special Olympian, Veolette Pennington - 2025 GCBOR treasurer, Brianna Keysacker - GCBOR association executive and Terry Weir - Special Olympics of Arkansas executive director.
2. Thomas Cannon (from left), Ana Dallas, Lyndsey Smith, Andrea Alford, Julie Grantham, David Dallas and Wes Freeman, president of the Arkansas REALTORS® Association.
Photo Credit:
1. (Photo by Brianna Himschoot)
