THE SOCIAL FRONT
All In Casino Night
The Teen Action & Support Center hosted its 12th annual All In Casino Night on Feb. 28 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Rogers. Emceed by Brock Short, more than 270 guests attended the event, which included exciting casino games, plenty of playing chips, a silent and live auction, and delicious food and drinks. Jack Link’s was the presenting sponsor for the evening, and the event was co-chaired by Alain Nzigamasabo and Tyler Lehr of Sam’s Club. The event raised more than $145,000 through ticket sales and donations to benefit teens in Northwest Arkansas. www.tascnwa.org
Big Party
On March 6, the Fayetteville Junior Civic League held its annual “I Love Fayetteville Big Party” at George’s Majestic Lounge. Approximately 500 people decked out in 1990s attire attended the event, which began with an opening act by Lukas Wigington. After that, guests danced the night away to music by Dial Up and enjoyed late night bites from McDonald’s and Shake’s Frozen Custard. The funds raised through generous corporate sponsorships, ticket sales and an online auction will be awarded to 20 organizations benefiting the local community, including 99 Balloons, Apple Seeds Teaching Farm, Canopy NWA and Magdalene Serenity House. www.fayettevillejcl.org
Handprints for Hope Luncheon
The Children’s Safety Center of Washington County hosted its 11th annual Handprints for Hope Luncheon at the Fayetteville Town Center on March 10. Approximately 700 guests gathered to support the CSC’s mission. During the program, a CSC advocate shared a client’s inspiring story, and Four Helping Hand awards were given out to businesses and individuals who have allowed the center to grow over the years. Det. Corey Horton of the Fayetteville Police Department received the Outstanding Agency Partner Award, Fayetteville Town Center received the Outstanding Business Partner Award, The Founders Group of Arkansas received the Outstanding Organization Award, and father and son duo Adrian Luttrell and Mike Luttrell received the Chris Thornton Sidekick Award. More than $107,000 was raised to directly impact the CSC’s programs and services, which are provided free to alleged child abuse victims and their families. www.childrenssafetycenter.org
Butterflies & Blooms Luncheon: A Celebration of Hope and Impact
On March 10, Saving Grace NWA hosted its 17th annual Butterflies & Blooms Luncheon at the Rogers Convention Center, bringing together approximately 1,300 guests in support of young women aging out of foster care and facing homelessness. Attendees enjoyed a beautifully prepared lunch while engaging in an inspiring program led by board member and emcee Stephanie Riffle. The event also featured heartfelt remarks from Director of Development Candice Castillo, Executive Director and Co-Founder Becky Shaffer, and a program impact update from Program Director Wendi Seidel. Thanks to the incredible generosity of the community, the event was a powerful success. Saving Grace NWA raised more than $200,000 through sponsorships and pre-event giving, followed by more than $100,000 contributed on the day of the event. Even now, gifts continue to come in from attendees who were moved by the stories and mission of Saving Grace NWA. Each dollar given directly supports Saving Grace NWA’s work to provide stability, mentorship and hope for young women seeking a brighter future. www.savinggracenwa.org
The Abilities Ball
Life Styles, Inc. hosted its fourth annual Abilities Ball on March 20 at the Fayetteville Public Library. The event celebrates the remarkable abilities of the people with intellectual and developmental disabilities Life Styles has served since its founding in Fayetteville in 1976. The event featured music, a live and silent auction, and showstopping performances by Life Styles clients. Approximately 300 guests attended the ball, and a grand total of $100,000 was raised to support the organization’s mission of helping individuals with disabilities reach their fullest potential. www.lifestylesinc.org
The Big Bet
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas hosted its sixth annual The Big Bet on April 2 at The Barn at the Springs in Springdale. Hosted by Shawn Townzen, Stephen Bell, and Jack Murtha, the Texas Hold’em tournament and casino night brought out a lively crowd for an evening of gaming, raffles, light bites and an open bar. The event raised more than $50,000 to support youth mentoring across Northwest Arkansas. Congratulations to the top three Texas Hold’em players, and special thanks to the Straight Flush sponsors: PepsiCo, Unilever, Kraft Heinz, Kimberly Clark, Constellation Brands and Bayer. www.bbbsnwa.org
