JONESBORO, Ark. _ The University of Central Arkansas and Arkansas State will play a men's basketball charity exhibition game on Monday, Oct. 30 to benefit the Wynne (Ark.) Relief and Recovery Center.
 
The exhibition will tip off at 7 p.m. at First National Bank Arena in Jonesboro. All tickets will be sold as $5 general-admission seating and may be purchased by calling the A-State Ticket Office at 870-972-2781. .
 
The Wynne, Ark., community, located 45 miles south of Jonesboro, was hit by a devastating EF3 tornado on March 1, 2023, and recovery efforts are ongoing. The Wynne Relief and Recovery is a non-profit, 501 (c)(3) organization that was formed by Wynne citizens who live and work in the community.
 
The organization, located at 187 Murray St. in Wynne, has been the headquarters for providing those affected with food, supplies and a helping hand.  While all ticket revenue from the A-State exhibition game will be donated to Wynne Relief and Recovery, those wishing to make a donation to the organization beyond the $5 admission price may do so by visiting WynneRecovery.org.
 
"When Coach (Bryan) Hodgson reached out regarding an exhibition game to benefit the community of Wynne, there was no hesitation in agreeing to the game," said UCA head coach Anthony Boone, who grew up a hour from Wynne in West Helena, Ark. "We are extremely happy to be able to do what we love to do and that it will be helpful to the people of Wynne. I am thankful that Arkansas State has teamed up with the Wynne Relief and Recovery Center to make this all possible."

During halftime of the contest, A-State will recognize the Wynne Relief and Recovery Board of Directors, led by Leanne Lovell.  Several student groups at Wynne High School and first responders are also expected to be in attendance and will be recognized from the stands during a timeout.
 
"We were blessed with the flow of donations in the beginning," said Lovell. "We had truckloads of supplies coming in fast, and we were sending them out into the community even faster.  As public awareness diminished over time, so did the financial support.  We are working with the Arkansas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), and have started case management, meaning we are getting closer to knowing the extent of the damages and the supplies that will be needed to do the work.
 
"We also have teamed up with two non-profit organizations that are interested in coming to do the labor required to repair and rebuild homes – the trouble is it takes money to buy the supplies, making the financial support the biggest need for the unforeseeable future.   We are grateful for all support as we move forward in recovery, but the financial support will determine how much work will get done.
   
"We would definitely like to thank every organization, business and individuals who have helped us along the way.  Thank you to A-State and the University of Central Arkansas for doing this benefit and for all who will buy tickets and make donations – you are helping build more than homes, you are building faith in humanity."

UCA opens the regular season on Monday, Nov. 6 at Tulsa.