HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (KTHV) - Project HOPE Food Bank was selected by General Improvement Funds to receive a $2,000 grant. 

Arkansas ranks second highest in the nation for the number of children facing food insecurity.  To combat child hunger, in our community the food bank has developed a Backpack Assistance Program. Project HOPE Food Bank started the Backpack

Assistance Program at the request of area schools seeing an increase in the number of children struggling with hunger.   In 2014, a grant from the Giving Circle through the Arkansas Community Foundation established our program.  This grant provided funding to partner with area non-profits, business and individuals to provide backpacks to children in need.  

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (KTHV) - Central Park Cuisine will host the Hot Springs Wine & Food Fest Saturday.

The festival is the leading fundraiser for Project HOPE Food Bank, with a goal of raising money to fight food insecurity in the community. 

The event will be held on October 17 at Central Park Fusion Cuisine.  Doors open at 2 p.m. with gourmet hors d'oevre prepared by Chef Matt Fuller and pared with fine wines.  There will also be live music and a silent auction. 

All proceeds from the silent auction, raffle and table sponsorships will benefit the food bank.

“Our first event was a wonderful success and the proceeds fed many in our community that would have otherwise gone hungry” said Food Bank Director Ted Thompson.

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (KTHV) - United Way of Garland County is hosting a Zombie Fun Run 5K on October 31, 2015 at Cedar Glades Park located at 461 Wildcat Road.

The Fun Run is sponsored by Shop Oh Snap! Boutique, Bennett’s Auto Service, FBC Fitness and Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches. The route will involve a few walls to climb over, a log to jump over, zombies to avoid and a variety of elevations.

Early registration is $25 per person and ends on September 30, 2015. Late registration will end October 28, 2015 and is $30 per person. The check in will begin at 7 a.m. and the race will begin at 8:30 a.m. The first 250 who register will receive a goody bag and a t-shirt.

Prior to the race, the Hot Springs Beauty College will do zombie make-up for $5.00 per person. However, if an individual has their make-up done by the HSBC then they will be excluded from the costume contests.