Rolling Lions RV Club Third Annual Golden Gala Raises $40,000 in Support of UAPB Athletics

8/18/2026 2:35:00 PM

PINE BLUFF, AR. — The Rolling Lions RV Club continued its strong commitment to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and Golden Lion Athletics this past weekend, hosting its Third Annual Golden Gala at the Pine Bluff Convention Center Ballroom.

Sponsored by Saracen Casino Resort and emceed by Jeanette Summers, the elegant evening brought together UAPB supporters, alumni, community leaders and friends of the university for a night celebrating service, achievement and the importance of giving back.

One of the highlights of the evening came when the Rolling Lions RV Club presented UAPB Athletics with a $40,000 check, providing significant financial support for the department and its scholar-athletes.

The organization also held a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting Golden Lion Athletics.

Rolling Lions RV Club President Greg Summers said the organization established the Golden Gala as its signature event to generate additional financial support for UAPB Athletics, particularly as the landscape of college athletics continues to evolve.

"We decided as a board and an organization to make this our signature event," Summers said. "The whole purpose is to generate funds for athletics, especially given the current NIL landscape."

Rather than directing its major contribution toward one particular program, the Rolling Lions RV Club allows UAPB athletic leadership to determine where the funds can make the greatest impact.

"We leave that up to the discretion of the athletic director and his staff to determine how those funds are used," Summers said. "We don't try to target one particular sport.
We want the athletic director and his team to determine how best to use those funds."

The gala also provided an opportunity to recognize individuals and organizations whose work has made an impact in their respective professions, throughout the Pine Bluff community and in support of the university.

This year's honorees included UAPB Director of Athletics Chris Robinson, Arkansas State Representative Ken Ferguson, Mattie P. Collins, Ray Walker and Underwater Seafood, one of Pine Bluff's well-known local restaurants.

The evening also featured remarks from university leadership, including UAPB Chancellor Dr. Anthony Graham and Robinson. Their participation highlighted the importance of partnerships between UAPB, its alumni, community supporters and organizations such as the Rolling Lions RV Club.

The organization's support extends beyond the annual Golden Gala. Summers said the club has responded to individual needs within UAPB Athletics, providing assistance to programs such as baseball, men's and women's basketball and golf.

"We will do things for individual sports when there is a particular request," Summers said. "We've given $500 to programs such as baseball, basketball, women's basketball and golf. But when we make our larger donation, we allow the athletic director to determine where that money can have the greatest impact."

The Rolling Lions RV Club has also made increasing student participation at athletic events a priority. Through contests and giveaways, the organization encourages UAPB students to support their classmates and become more involved in the game-day atmosphere. Students have had opportunities to win up to $100 at football games and $200 at basketball games.

"We try to do student-engagement activities to get the students involved and increase attendance," Summers said. "Instead of sitting in the dorm or going back home, we want students to come to a football or basketball game."

For Summers and the Rolling Lions RV Club, supporting athletics is also an investment in the academic development and overall success of UAPB's scholar-athletes.

"We recognize and understand that academics are important, and our student-athletes have demonstrated that with the large number of scholar-athletes within our programs," Summers said. "Giving to athletics is also giving to academics."

The Third Annual Golden Gala served as another example of that commitment. Through its $40,000 contribution, silent auction and continued support of individual programs and student engagement initiatives, the Rolling Lions RV Club continues to play an important role in supporting the resources and opportunities available to Golden Lion scholar-athletes.

Summers encouraged alumni, fans, businesses and community members to join the organization's efforts to strengthen UAPB Athletics.

"If you would like to donate to what we're doing and help increase our contribution to athletics, we would love to have your support," Summers said.

For additional information about supporting the Rolling Lions RV Club's efforts, interested individuals can call 501-952-0841.

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