The Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches raised $237,365 at its 31st annual Arkansas Children’s Award Dinner on Monday, celebrating 50 years of providing safe, loving homes for Arkansas children in need.
The event honored Entergy Arkansas CEO Laura Landreaux with the 2026 Arkansas Children’s Award in recognition of her longstanding commitment to improving the lives of children and families across the state.
More Than 450 Supporters Attend
The annual dinner drew more than 450 Ranch supporters on Monday evening, October 26th, in the Grand Ballroom at the Little Rock Marriott. Guests enjoyed a reception, dinner, silent and live auctions, and the award presentation.
Longtime supporter and former Arkansas Razorback David Bazzel served as master of ceremonies. Entergy Arkansas served as presenting sponsor, and diamond sponsors included Ray and Deborah Dillon, The Schueck Family Foundation, and Stone Ward.
Laura Landreaux Receives Arkansas Children’s Award
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Arkansas Children’s Award to Landreaux, a Little Rock native whose leadership and community involvement have helped create opportunities for children and families throughout Arkansas.
As CEO of Entergy Arkansas, Landreaux leads the company, which invests millions of dollars annually in early childhood education and literacy, efforts to address child hunger and family stability, and youth development programs. Landreaux also serves on the boards of Easterseals Arkansas, the Academies of Central Arkansas, and the Foundation for the Mid South.
“I am deeply honored to receive the Arkansas Children’s Award, but the real heroes are the people who have dedicated the past 50 years to providing safe, loving homes and brighter futures for Arkansas children,” said Landreaux, president and CEO of Entergy Arkansas. “The Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches changes lives every day by giving young people the stability, support, and opportunities they deserve. I am proud of Entergy Arkansas’s partnership with the Ranch and grateful to everyone who helps make this important mission possible.”
Celebrating 50 Years
This year’s dinner also marked a special milestone as the Ranch celebrates its 50th anniversary. Founded in 1976 by the Sheriffs of Arkansas, the organization has provided a safe home and comprehensive support for more than 2,300 children who have experienced abuse, neglect or family instability.
“For 50 years, the Ranch has been a place where children can find stability, build confidence and look toward a brighter future,” said Nancy Fulton, CEO of Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches. “This dinner is a wonderful reminder of how many people believe in that mission and want to be part of it. Every person who supports the Ranch plays a role in changing a child’s life, and we are grateful to have a community that continues to show up for us year after year.”
The Ranch is 100 percent privately funded. With support from the community, it supplies all the needs associated with raising a child, from finding loving houseparents to providing safe shelter, medical care, healthy food, clothing and educational expenses.
To learn more or make a tax-deductible donation, visit YouthRanches.com.
About the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches
The Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches’ mission is to address, remedy and prevent child abuse and neglect by creating safe, healthy and loving homes for Arkansas children. The organization is a statewide, private nonprofit 501(c)(3), founded in 1976 by the Sheriffs of Arkansas to provide a safe, loving shelter for children who had been abandoned, abused or neglected. Since then, the Ranch has served more than 2,300 Arkansas boys and girls in need. Follow the Ranch on Facebook, X and Instagram at @YouthRanches.
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