THE SOCIAL FRONT
Courage Awards Luncheon
On Oct. 2, Peace at Home Family Shelter hosted its 13th annual Courage Awards Luncheon at the Fayetteville Public Library. Approximately 350 guests attended the event, which honored Dr. Ana Bridges for her focus on understanding and reducing mental health disparities in vulnerable, underserved populations here in Northwest Arkansas. During the program, attendees heard from Board President Blake Pennington and two panel discussions. Board member Ryan Versey moderated the first conversation with lead counselor Maria Torres, Dr. Bridges and CEO Teresa Mills, where they talked about the mental health effects survivors face and the counseling programs the shelter offers to support them. Guests also listened to a moderated discussion by Director of Development Eva Terry with two domestic abuse survivors who shared their stories and how they found support through the shelter. The luncheon raised $77,000 to provide safe shelter and support to families fleeing abuse. www.peaceathomeshelter.org
Kiss a Pig Gala
The American Diabetes Association held its 23rd annual Kiss a Pig Gala, presented by Walmart and Abbott, on Oct. 4 at the Rogers Convention Center. This year’s theme was “A Night of Generosity: Shining Bright to End Diabetes,” and the event leadership featured Tasha Tandy of Walmart and Julie McGrover of Sam’s Club. A crowd of more than 800 people rocked out to ‘90s country icon Deana Carter, courtesy of Cherokee Casino, and enjoyed a formal sit-down dinner and post event snacks from Hershey. Eight candidates campaigned for donations to kiss the pig. Katie Smith of Walmart won the Legacy Team award, Damon Akin of Greenwood Gearhart won the Small Business Category, and Dr. Crystal Steen of Simmons Foods won the Large Business Category and the High Hoof awards. Candidate fundraising efforts, live and silent auctions, and more helped raise $540,000 to fund diabetes research, advocacy, and support for all individuals living with prediabetes and Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes. Kiss a Pig has raised more than $14 million over the past two decades. www.diabetes.org
Flavor of Giving
The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank hosted its newest fundraising event, Flavor of Giving, on Oct. 9 at Osage House in Cave Springs. Approximately 400 guests gathered for an evening of community and purpose while enjoying food and drinks at various “flavor stations” throughout the venue — all with the goal of making a direct impact on the more than 89,000 food-insecure neighbors in the region. A highlight of the event was The Giving Market, where attendees shopped in a mock grocery store and their mock purchase turned into a donation for the evening. It gave attendees the opportunity to try to stay within their budget, helping raise awareness of how many families in the area do this on a daily basis. There was also a floral station where guests were invited to create an arrangement to take home as well as a Giving Wall where attendees could sponsor a shopping cart for Feed Rogers for one month. During the program, the food bank also announced its new leadership transition, with Taylor Speegle assuming the role of president and CEO at the start of the new year. www.nwafoodbank.org
Autumn Gala
The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks in Fayetteville hosted its Autumn Gala on Oct. 9, marking the return of this beloved event, last held in 2022. Set against the Great Lawn at dusk, the evening’s theme — Twilight Wings: An Evening Celebrating Pollinators — celebrated the garden’s mission of environmental awareness and education. More than 300 guests enjoyed dinner, fine drinks, a silent auction and a jewelry pull provided by Underwoods Fine Jewelers. Thanks to the generosity of attendees and sponsors, the garden exceeded its fundraising goal, supporting vital education, conservation and community programs. The next Autumn Gala will take place Oct. 8, 2026. www.bgozarks.org
Winetopia
The 17th annual Winetopia wine tasting, hosted by Restore Humanity, was held Oct. 10 at the Barn at Stonebreaker in Fayetteville. Republic National Distributing Company, The Wine Group, Black Apple Hard Cider, Core Brewing Co., Fox Trail Distillery, Rock Town Distillery, TLC Sampling, Cheers Liquor & Wine, Ballotin Chocolate Whiskey, Canard Vineyard, Mijenta Tequila, Roberts + Rogers Vineyard, Liquor World, Mom Water, Von Payne, Matchbook Wine Company, and Beam Suntory provided the wine, cider, local craft beer and spirits for the event. These beverages were poured for a crowd of approximately 375 guests who enjoyed music from DJ Shortfuze, a wine toss with Carny in the Corner, and delicious food from Stonebreaker catering and MIA Tarts & More. The evening raised $75,000 benefiting Restore Humanity’s work in Kenya. www.restorehumanity.org
Men’s Night
On Oct. 10, St. Joseph Catholic School held its 18th annual Men’s Night at the Arkansas Air & Military Museum in Fayetteville. Approximately 175 men gathered for a live and silent auction, a premium steak dinner, cigars and top-shelf drinks. The event raised more than $63,000 through sponsorships, ticket sales, and auction items such as Razorback football and basketball packages, a full orthodontics set from Storms Orthodontics, and a guitar autographed by Taylor Swift to benefit the Fayetteville school — a 2014 and 2020 National Blue Ribbon School. www.sjfayschool.com
