NONPROFIT
By Jennifer Watson | Photos courtesy of American Diabetes Association
25 Years of Heart, Community
and Purpose
Alicia Martinez, Rachel Kimbro,
Ashley Ellis and Cordell Griffin
November is Diabetes Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the millions of people impacted by diabetes and the importance of education, advocacy, research and access to care. In Northwest Arkansas, that mission comes to life through the American Diabetes Association’s Kiss a Pig Gala and State of Diabetes: Arkansas.
As the organization recognizes Diabetes Awareness Month, it will host State of Diabetes: Arkansas on Nov. 12 at The Apollo on Emma in Springdale. This free event, with the topic “Diabetes in the Workplace: Supporting Employees, Preventing Diabetes & Reducing Costs,” is designed for employers, human resources professionals, healthcare leaders, business leaders, community advocates, people living with diabetes and obesity, caregivers and nonprofit leaders.
Attendees will hear from an outstanding panel of experts, including Dr. Sonal Bhakta of Mercy, Dr. Mark John Perna of Mercy Bariatric Surgery, Dr. Rachel Kilpatrick of Washington Regional Endocrinology, Dr. Jenn Anderson of Institute for Community Health Innovation, Dr. Gary Berner of Community Clinic, and Erick Rivera, a Northwest Arkansas businessman living with Type 2 diabetes. Together, they will explore diabetes and obesity, prevention, access to care, and practical ways employers and communities can support healthier lives while addressing the impact of diabetes.
The momentum continues into 2027 as Kiss a Pig celebrates a major milestone: 25 years of bringing together the biggest hearts, boldest community leaders and most generous companies in Northwest Arkansas for one unforgettable night.
What began as a fun tradition has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated philanthropic events, raising millions of dollars to advance the mission of the American Diabetes Association. Community leaders step forward as ambassadors, raising funds and awareness while inspiring their friends, families, colleagues and businesses to make a difference.
But why a pig? Before today’s modern, lab-made insulin, porcine insulin played an important role in helping people with diabetes live longer, healthier lives. Kiss a Pig honors that history with a celebration that combines purpose, community and fun.
The 25th anniversary Kiss a Pig Gala will take place April 10, 2027, at Rogers Convention Center. This year’s theme, Pig City Nights, will feature live entertainment from Collective Soul.
Dr. Jessica Sliger’s campaign manager for Kiss a Pig Allison Curtis, Ro Bailey and Ronnie Brewer
The celebration will be led by Honorary Chair Ralph Clare of Walmart and Event Chair Katie Smith of Walmart, alongside Sarah Cracraft of Legacy Retail. Most importantly, the organization is welcoming an incredible group of leaders as the 2027 Kiss a Pig Ambassador Class:
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Large Business: Ashley Ellis of CVS Health; Cordell Griffin of Abbott; Rachel Kimbro of Tyson Foods; Alicia Martinez of Walmart
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Small Business: Shayna Boyster of BluPrint Home Loans; Katie Jackson of Alteryx; Brock Posey of Southern Brothers Construction, LLC; Jonah Rapert of STAT Recovery
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Community: Ro Bailey of Perry Broadcasting Company; Ronnie Brewer of Ronnie Brewer Foundation; Dr. Jessica Sliger of Bright Pediatric Dentistry
Each ambassador brings a unique story, network and passion to the campaign, united by a common goal: creating a healthier future for people affected by diabetes.
Through State of Diabetes and Kiss a Pig, the ADA is bringing people together during Diabetes Awareness Month and throughout the year to raise awareness, build community and support research, advocacy, education and programs that improve the lives of people living with diabetes.
