FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas community – and all of Northwest Arkansas – are invited to help “tip-off” the United Way of Northwest Arkansas’ annual fund raising campaign.

The event – the first of its kind in the region – will be held from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18 at Har-Ber High School in Springdale. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

The free family event will celebrate “the spirit of excellence in giving” with top players – boys and girls – from local high school teams competing in a slam dunk contest and a 3 point shooting contest.   

There is also a Spirit contest for members of all of the companies and institutions that contribute to the United Way.

“The U of A United Way campaign raises donations for the United Way of Northwest Arkansas and the programs it supports,” said Chris McCoy, campaign chair. “Several of our campaign volunteers plan to be at the tip-off, and we hope to have a big, spirted, red-clad crowd there as well. Several Razorback greats like Ronnie Brewer, Tommy Boyer, Clyde Fletcher Jr., Virginia Johnson and Whitney Jones will be on hand as celebrity judges – and to cheer the players on. It should be a fun night for everyone.

“It’s also a great way for the community to get involved working to move children in Northwest Arkansas out of poverty.”