Money raised in the Literacy Council’s Gameshow and Draw Down fundraiser will help the Texarkana-based nonprofit organization provide educational opportunities for its adult and teen students. The family friendly event was held on July 23 at Oasis Community Church, located in Central Mall in the former men’s Dillard’s. The “Price Is Right” inspired evening was hosted by Derrick Keener, and Dawn Parker invited contestants to “come on down!” Both Keener and Parker are on-air personalities from Texarkana Radio Center.

Executive Director Jenny Walker said the event was her favorite fundraiser yet. “In the past, the Literacy Council has incorporated the drawdown with the Spelling Bee, but this year we decided to separate the events to keep our crowds smaller,” she said. “When our board and I started planning, we knew we wanted to add another component to the drawdown that could get more people engaged. I thought of the “Price is Right,” and we started planning. It ended up being the most fun of all of the events we have had! Derrick and Dawn really made the night so much fun and kept us all laughing. It will definitely become a new tradition for the Council!”