ASU cheerleaders participate in nationally televised segment with NBC's Al Roker

June 25, 2009 -- Members of Arkansas State University’s cheerleading squad appeared in a nationally televised segment Thursday morning on NBC’s “Today Show.” The morning show was broadcast live from the Arkansas Rice Depot distribution point in Little Rock and the cheerleaders were on hand for the announcement of a special donation to the Arkansas Rice Depot’s “Lend a Hand” hunger program for children.


Front (L to R) Emma Terrell of Marked Tree; Carol Funderburg of Jonesboro; Lindsey Marshall of Gosnell; Stacy Hartsfield of Blytheville;  Al Roker;  Roni Farrin of Pocahontas; Chelsea Hutcheson of Jonesboro; Bryce Newsome of Jonesboro; Logan Clark of Paragould. Second Row (L to R) Jordan Colley of Paragould; Brannah Barrett of Leachville; Ashley Collins of El Dorado; Morgan Mathes of Jonesboro; and Lauren Gentry of Des Arc. Back Row (L to R)  Ryan Ware of Emerson; Wesley Gardner of Keiser; Zac Short of Doniphan, Mo.; and Josh Covey of Searcy. -- Photo by Jane Dennis.

The cheerleaders were present as “Today Show” meteorologist Al Roker made the announcement of a $606,000 gift which will benefit Arkansas Rice Depot programs, including Food for Kids school backpack program, statewide hunger relief, disaster relief programs and Food for Seniors. The “Lend a Hand” donation included thousands of dollars of food items, clothing, appliances, backpacks and even a van which will benefit people across Arkansas.

The food and other items will be distributed through all Rice Depot programs, including food pantries and soup kitchens across the state, as well as in schools that participate in the Food for Kids program. Unloading the truck was led by Arkansas native and former National Basketball Association star Scottie Pippin.

The participating cheerleaders included Emma Terrell of Marked Tree; Carol Funderburg, Chelsea Hutcheson, Bryce Newsome, Morgan Mathes of Jonesboro; Lindsey Marshall of Gosnell; Stacy Hartsfield of Blytheville; Roni Farrin of Pocahontas; Logan Clark of Paragould and Jordan Colley of Paragould; Brannah Barrett of Leachville; Ashley Collins of El Dorado; Lauren Gentry of Des Arc; Ryan Ware of Emerson; Wesley Gardner of Keiser; Zac Short of Doniphan, MO; and Josh Covey of Searcy.

ASU’s cheerleaders aided in unloading the truck and had photos taken with Roker and Pippin.
 

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