It was a prom to remember — and all for a good cause.
The Batesville Area Arts Council hosted its annual Summer Celebration fundraiser Saturday, June 28, at The Loft on Main Street, presented by First Community Bank. With the theme “Bringing BAAC Prom,” the evening blended nostalgia and community spirit, raising more than $12,000 to support local arts programming.
“Bringing BAAC Prom was an unforgettable night for BAAC,” said Abby Perrine, president of the BAAC board of directors. “The community showed an incredible amount of support for our organization — and had a blast while doing so.”
Guests enjoyed dinner catered by The Station and danced to live music by Luke Middleton and Trevor Graddy. DJ Colyn Bowman kept the energy high and the dance floor full throughout the night. A silent auction featured original artwork by local artists and experience packages donated by downtown Batesville businesses.
One of the evening’s highlights was the crowning of this year’s Prom Royalty: Edmond Hetrick and Trevor Graddy. Attendees nominated themselves or friends for Prom King or Queen and voted by donating to BAAC, raising more than $1,000 through the campaign.
BAAC Staff & Board Members (Clockwise starting from the left): Abby Catacutan, Carly Dahl, Kayla DeNike, Elizabeth Taylor, Kori Foster, Megan Renihan, Jessica Harber, Abby Perrine, Sarah Harmon, Crystal Kimmer, and Kristi Clark. / Images provided by BAAC
During the event, Executive Director Carly Dahl and Perrine announced the 2025 BAAC Board Member of the Year: Victoria Hutcheson.
“Victoria has been a dependable and enthusiastic board member,” Dahl said. “She’s led workshops at our new Work/Shop on Main, represented BAAC at a mayor’s meeting, and is a constant presence at gallery receptions and events.”
BAAC extended thanks to its Summer Celebration sponsors, including First Community Bank, Bad Boy Mowers, Citizens Bank, Lyon College, Precise, Spartan Mowers & ATVs, Merchants & Planters Bank, and Batesville Printing.
Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. And don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Get up-to-date local and regional news/weather from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ every weekday morning and afternoon. White River Now updates are also aired on weekday mornings on
93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and Your FM 99.5. Catch CBS News around the top of every hour on 1340 KBTA.
