She's Got Game
Pagnozzi Director Revels In Sports Charity Role
Last updated Saturday, July 26, 2008 4:39 PM CDT in Our Town
By Marla Hinkle
The Morning News
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FAYETTEVILLE - One look around Sarah Eldridge's office leaves no doubt about her enthusiasm as executive director of Pagnozzi Charities. Louisville Sluggers signed by friends of Tom Pagnozzi, founder of the organization, hang in a glass box near her computer.
Bobblehead dolls, a football lamp and golf ball picture holder decorate the office corners. Baseball mitts, sneakers and soccer balls spill out of a bag containing items for the third annual sports equipment drive.
Pagnozzi is a former Arkansas and St. Louis Cardinals player who formed the nonprofit to open the door of athletic experience to disadvantaged youth.
Eldridge, 24, said she fell in love with the charity when she was working as an intern in Matt Shanklin's office in the Razorback Marketing office and became familiar with the work of his wife Missy at Pagnozzi Charities. In January 2006, Eldridge started as an assistant director at Pagnozzi and took over Missy Shanklin's role as executive director when she resigned.
Matt Shanklin taught her to become organized and deal with situations in a professional manner, she said.
Her promotion to executive director was a learning experience, Eldridge said, but one she has relished.
"I enjoy raising money for kids to play sports. Pagnozzi really has a unique mission. If it were not for this charity, a lot of kids wouldn't be able to play sports.
"I grew up playing golf, and the sport taught me life skills like learning independence, setting priorities and goals and achieving them. I want children to have that same opportunity."
Founder Tom Pagnozzi said Eldridge is very creative in her position and is a pleasure to work with, adding that she could probably beat him at golf.
"She has done a wonderful job. We have grown in donations and giving out money. She has made some great contacts, and we've become a little more visible. That is what we are striving for."
In her role, Eldridge oversees the staff and all of the special events and fundraisers. She also seeks sponsors and prospective donors.
Two major fundraisers are the Grand Slam Celebration, which this year raised more than $65,000 for the Pagnozzi Youth Scholarship Fund, and the Tom Pagnozzi Charity Golf Tournament, Banquet and Sports Memorabilia Auction.
When Eldridge meets with sponsors, board members and families who have benefited from the scholarships, she sees the results.
"When a child comes in and is so grateful and appreciative ... that really hits home. I enjoy meeting the families and going to Wal-Mart to pick up gloves, cleats and watch gymnasium practices. It reminds me why I'm doing what I'm doing."
Fortunate Life
Not every community is as blessed as Northwest Arkansas. Eldridge heard from a family planning to move back to Louisiana. They were displaced from Hurricane Rita and had nothing when they arrived in Northwest Arkansas.
They discovered Pagnozzi Charities through school and gained the opportunity to participate in local sports.
"We recently found out the family is going back to Louisiana, and they are scared and nervous they will not be able to play sports, so it's hard to see families we have helped move away."
Pagnozzi Charities assists children in Washington and Benton counties, and the Harrison area.
The families who visit Eldridge's office on Center Street in downtown Fayetteville always bring a smile to her face. In early July, Jill Witt and her daughters, Taylor, 7, and Ashlea, 9, stopped by her office to share their experience with Pagnozzi Charities.
The girls attend Thomas Jefferson Elementary School in Bentonville and live in Bella Vista. While Ashlea had been involved in activities, her younger sister had to watch from the sidelines and would not have been able to engage in gymnastics without help from Pagnozzi.
Ashlea reached her goal of standing at the podium to accept an award and has tried out for competitive cheerleading.
"I've seen a lot of growth outside of the gym, too," Witt said. "The girls have learned time management skills. It's been a good experience that has built their self-esteem."
Allyson Twiggs, a member of Pagnozzi Charities Board of Directors, said Eldridge is extremely organized and professional.
"She is a downright sweetheart and is great not only to the parents but to our sponsors. She is a delight to be around and always takes on any adversity and challenges in a positive way. Sarah has taken the charity to new levels through her professionalism and great spirit."
Eldridge finds time to add more volunteer work to her packed schedule. She has participated in programs benefiting the community through the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class XX.
Fellow leadership member Scott Hancock of Liberty Bank said they crafted blankets from raw fabric during a project for Children's House.
"Sarah has persistence and a persistent smile. Her personality emits itself through her facial expressions, which are always positive. In the charitable world, you need a positive face, attitude and mission, so with all those attributes, it's hard to tell her no, from a volunteer or monetary standpoint," Hancock said.
Drive To Succeed
Eldridge grew up in Forrest City and travels to visit family. She spends private time with friends and family or golfing at Sunbridge Meadows.
Golfing is a good way to regroup and rethink, she said.
For now, she is busy organizing the Sports Equipment Drive, which kicked off July 7 and will continue through Aug. 7. Each summer, Pagnozzi Charities partners with Wal-Mart on Sixth Street in Fayetteville to host the drive.
People interested in donating may drop off new or gently used sports equipment to any Signature Bank of Arkansas or the Wal-Mart on Sixth Street. Also, a Signature Bank Visa or Wal-Mart gift card my be used to purchase shoes.
Eldridge said the charity is expanding the donation even more this year. Last year, more than 200 pieces of equipment were distributed to underprivileged children, "leveling the playing field."
Her goal is to see the nonprofit continue to grow.
"We are the only organization in the state that does what we do, and there are so many children across the state of Arkansas who would love to participate. I would love to see the organization eventually become statewide."
As for Taylor Witt, she's chasing her own dream now - to become the "best gymnast in the whole universe."
BIO BOX
Sarah Eldridge, executive director of Pagnozzi Charities
Birth date and place: Forrest City, Jan. 4, 1984
Parents: Paul and Corinne Eldridge
Sibling: David of Cincinnati
Education: Marketing management degree with a concentration in advertising and public relations, May 2006, University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
Memberships: Rotary Club of Fayetteville, Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce Diplomat and Leadership Committee, past membership in Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class XX and a member of the Northwest Arkansas Young Professionals board of directors
Best advice: "You can never have too many friends. Gary Head, chief executive officer of Signature Bank told me this, and since I'm always out meeting people, this is stuck in the back of my head."
Source: Staff Report
SAVE THE DATE
Pagnozzi Charity Events
• Fish City Grill at Pinnacle Hills Promenade in Rogers will partner with the organization for the "First Tuesday" benefit Aug. 5, donating 15 percent of the entire day's sales to the Pagnozzi Youth Sports Scholarship Fund.
• Buffalo Wild Wings in Springdale will host a kids day Aug. 9, and Pagnozzi Charities will benefit from a portion of the proceeds.
• 17th annual Tom Pagnozzi Charity Golf Tournament, Banquet and Sports Memorabilia Auction, Oct. 16-18.
Sponsorships are available. For information, call 443-2550, e-mail sarah@pagnozzicharities.org, or visit the Web site at pagnozzicharities.com.
Source: Pagnozzi Charities
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