Friday, December 30, 2011

SPORTS >> Former Hog draws Pathfinder winner

By SARAH CAMPBELL
Leader staff writer

Pathfinder Academy director Tim Thomas blushed slightly when he won two tickets to the sold out Cotton Bowl game at Pathfinder’s Friday drawing with former Razorback Elston Forte, held at the administration building.

The organization sold about 200 raffle tickets, at $5 each, from Dec. 19 to Dec. 30, to raise funds for the academy, its new school that serves autistic children.

Forte led about 20 adult clients in a Hog Call of “Woo Pig Sooie.” After the drawing, the former Razorback accepted a football painted and signed by the children enrolled at the academy.

He told The Leader, “I love to show my support, especially to an organization like this that is doing such great things. My heart is really here right now.” Pathfinder Board Chairman Joan Zumwalt said they have asked Forte to come back for other events.

“We’re proud to be his friend,” she said. “These clients, as everybody should, have the opportunity to be everything they can be. The support of men like Elston keeps us going.”

T.P. White, another board member, and Sha’ Stephens, Pathfinder’s public relations liaison, also attended the drawing.