THE SOCIAL FRONT
NWA Finest
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation hosted its NWA Finest events, presented by Henkel, on Sept. 4 and 5. The golf tournament took place at Shadow Valley Golf & Country Club in Rogers, with three flights over two days. On Sept. 5, the Wine Opener took place at Ledger in Bentonville, where guests gathered to celebrate 16 of the “Finest” young professionals in Northwest Arkansas, who had been raising awareness and funds since April. Mackenzie Jobe was awarded the Cyr Lawson Award as the top fundraising Finest Honoree. The award is in memory of its namesake — a 28-year-old young man who lost his battle to cystic fibrosis — and was presented by his sister, Selena Mitchell. This year was especially meaningful as Jobe, 28, is a person with cystic fibrosis, and she broke the record by raising more than $60,000. Giulia Smith also deserves recognition, as she also broke the record by raising $54,000. The previous record was set by Tosha Wise, who raised $50,000 in 2019. Overall, this years’ Finest events are expected to raise $730,000 to move the CF Foundation’s mission forward. www.cff.org/arkansas
Help the Girls
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The Chase Family Foundation hosted the 11th annual Help the Girls event Sept. 11 at the Springdale Country Club. Over the past decade, the organization has given about $480,000 worth of bras and ladies’ underwear with the help of the community. This event supports Peace at Home Family Shelter, Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter, Freedom Fighters and several other organizations that support women by donating new or gently used bras and new underwear to help women in need. “In many situations when leaving an abusive situation, individuals leave their home with just the clothes on their back,” Founder Susan Chase-Bakker said. “The comfort of a new piece of underwear could give them the confidence they need to move on with their life. A huge thank you to all the individuals that have donated over the years to women in a dire situation.” The event also included light hors d’oeuvres. www.chasefamilyfoundation.org
#NWAChampionship Champions Party
Prior to the event being cut short due to inclement weather, the 2025 Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G held its annual Champions Party on Sept. 16 as part of #NWAChampionship Week in Northwest Arkansas. Nearly 700 guests gathered at Topgolf in Rogers for a fun-filled celebration sponsored by Unilever to kick off the week. The event included special appearances from LPGA Tour professionals, a curated food and beverage experience, photobooth, golf competitions, and more. What began as solely an LPGA tournament has expanded into a week of celebrating the Northwest Arkansas community with events that extend beyond just golf, including BITE Experience @ the LPGA, the 5K @ the LPGA benefiting Mercy, the Walmart Women’s Empowerment Summit and other community-driven events. www.NWAChampionship.com
Pagnozzi Parker Charity Golf Tournament, Ultimate Tailgate and Auction
Pagnozzi Parker Charities hosted its 34th annual Pagnozzi Parker Charity Golf Tournament, Ultimate Tailgate & Auction in Fayetteville on Sept. 19. The Charity Golf Tournament took place at Paradise Valley Athletic Club, and the Ultimate Tailgate took place at Ozark Music Hall. The combined events included 160 golfers and tailgate guests who enjoyed food by JJ’s Grill, a live and silent auction, dancing and entertainment. Guests also heard from this year’s Pagnozzi Parker Charities Make a Difference Award Winner and Woodland Junior High Football Coach, Bobby Crockett. The combined events grossed approximately $75,000 to support the Pagnozzi Parker Youth Sports Assistance Program. www.pagnozziparker.org
Rebuilding H.E.R.
Magdalene Serenity House hosted its fourth annual Rebuilding H.E.R. event Sept. 23 at the Fayetteville Public Library. Approximately 220 guests gathered close to the organization’s eighth birthday to celebrate this year’s graduates and their healing and recovery achievements as well as recognize the 2025 Excellence in Rebuilding H.E.R. honorees. George and Rosemary Faucette were presented the Outstanding Supporters award, Sue Garland was presented the Outstanding Volunteer award and Central United Methodist Church was presented the Outstanding Community Partner award. Guests also heard from current resident Micah Sullivan, who spoke about her healing journey and how her recovery has been possible because of stability, safety and a community that believes in her. www.lovehealsnwa.org
The Big Event
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas held its 17th annual "The Big Event" on Sept. 25 at Osage House in Cave Springs. Hosted by Jennifer Baumhoer and Ralph Clare, the gala honored the Big and Little Brothers of the Year, Hayden Phillips and Karam Kareem, and the Big and Little Sisters of the Year, Lauren Enix and Layla James. The program celebrated 30 years of mentorship in Northwest Arkansas and announced Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas’ expansion to serve the Fort Smith metro area. The organization also unveiled a new program, Big Futures, extending mentorship to young adults navigating life transitions. General Mills was the Legend Maker sponsor, and Nestlé was the Inspiration Maker sponsor for the evening. More than 270 people enjoyed hand-crafted cocktails, fine wines, camaraderie and networking opportunities — all in support of a great cause. All funds stay local to support the 366 active matches that Big Brothers Big Sisters supports at no cost throughout the year. www.bbbsnwa.org
UAMS Chancellor’s Welcome
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences hosted a tailgate-themed welcome for Interim Chancellor C. Lowry Barnes, M.D. on Sept. 26 at Herman’s Ribhouse in Fayetteville. More than 100 guests attended the event, enjoying refreshments and fellowship as well as celebrating Dr. Barnes in his new leadership role. Guests also heard remarks from Jay Silveria, University of Arkansas System president, who shared his insights and enthusiasm for the future of UAMS and its continued commitment to health care in Northwest Arkansas. www.uams.edu
