Little Rock, Ark. (November, 2021) –Wayland Holyfield, the singer and songwriter of “Arkansas, You Run Deep in Me,” one of the Arkansas State Songs, donated the rights to the song to Arkansas Community Foundation.
“I want my song to continue to inspire Arkansans for years to come. Gifting the rights to Arkansas Community Foundation ensures the songs legacy, and will hopefully inspire Arkansans to appreciate our state, its generosity and the support of essential nonprofits,” said Holyfield. “I’m so pleased the Community Foundation has found a way to use my words and music in their efforts.”
The Community Foundation is producing a video using the song that portrays the many ways Arkansans and Arkansas nonprofits help each other build their communities. The video will be distributed during the Thanksgiving season to thank donors nonprofits and other Arkansas supporters.
The “Arkansas, You Run Deep in Me” Video Premiere is planned for 5 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Central Arkansas Library System Ron Robinson Theater in Little Rock. Holyfield will appear at the event, which is free to the public. Reservations can be made at Kbland@arcf.org.
“We’re rolling out the red carpet for the Mr. Holyfield, our donors and all those who work hard to build our state,” said Heather Larkin, President and CEO of Arkansas Community Foundation. “Wayland’s song sends the perfect message about our state’s beauty and culture. Mixed with beautiful footage of our state and its people working together for good, the video will be seen first on the big screen and the next day it will go online on multiple platforms.”
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Arkansas Community Foundation, a nonprofit organization with over a half billion dollars in assets, fosters smart giving to improve communities. The Community Foundation offers tools to help Arkansans protect, grow and direct their charitable dollars as they learn more about community needs. By making grants and sharing knowledge, the Foundation supports existing charitable programs that work for Arkansas and partners to create initiatives that address unmet needs. Since 1976, the Community Foundation has provided more than $314 million in grants and partnered with thousands of Arkansans to help them improve our neighborhoods, our towns and our entire state. Contributions to Arkansas Community Foundation, its funds and any of its 29 affiliates are fully tax deductible.