For 6 years of service, Representative David “Bubba” Powers was honored by the University of Arkansas Community College Foundation by being the target of this year’s Roast and Toast, held December 6th. There are several gifts that come with years of public service, including colorful and good friends. Those two combined to make a great evening at Historic Washington Thursday night. The University of Arkansas Community College at Hope Foundation was joined by Former Dallas Cowboy player Ed “Too Tall” Jones, Venita McCellan-Allen, Chairman Will Bond, Representative Johnnie Roebuck, Mayor Dennis Ramsey, and Judge Randy Wright. The master of ceremonies for the evening of roasting and toasting was Chancellor Chris Thomason.
The historic evening brought together a most impressive cast of Arkansas leaders to honor their good friend, Representative Powers. The evening began with a video roast from Hootens.com owner, Chad Hooten. Hooten helped the crowd understand the night would be focused on “BUBBA POWERS”. AEP-SWEPCO President Venita McCellan-Allen took the stage with bells on to roast friend and fellow Turk supporter “Bubba” Powers. She shared several stories about her experience working with Powers on the Turk Project and important legislation for the state. Mayor Ramsey was appreciative of the opportunity to roast his good friend. Ramsey also commended Powers on the outstanding work he had done on Turk the Power Plant project and the Hope Hospital project.
Powers, who was dwarfed by the 6’ 10” Ed “Too Tall” Jones was pleased to see first-hand the championship ring that Jones displayed to the crowd and was excited to receive a Dallas Cowboy’s football from “Too Tall”. Representative Johnnie Roebuck, who served as the House Majority Leader in the 88th General Assembly, shared stories of serving with Powers as he served as the majority “Whip.” Roebuck presented Powers with a framed whip to commemorate his service in this important leadership role.
Arkansas Democratic Party Chairman, Will Bond didn’t waste a minute getting straight to some pretty colorful stories that he remembered or made-up about Powers’ tenure in the House. The last Roaster for the evening, long-time friend, Judge RandyWright ended his roast with a sip of Bubba cola.
The evening began with a reception and then 200 guests moved into the 1940 WPA Gymnasium for an evening full of laughter and good fellowship. UACCH Chancellor Chris Thomason welcomed guests who filled the gymnasium floor. Thomason informed the crowd that the primary rule for the evening was that the truth was irrelevant as long as it was funny. As laughter filled the room, all in attendance witnessed the roasters’ commitment to following the simple rule, as the truth was hard to find.