THE SOCIAL FRONT
Suits & Sneakers Gala
The fifth annual Suits & Sneakers Gala, benefiting the American Cancer Society, took place Oct. 17 at the Fayetteville Town Center. Suits & Sneakers is a part of the nationwide collaboration, Coaches vs. Cancer, between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. This year’s theme was all things “birthday.” A crowd of about 525 guests gathered to show off their best sneakers and raise money for an important cause. They enjoyed special features such as sneaker artists painting live at the event, a whiskey pull at the reimagined Buffalo Trace Distillery, a showcase bar with a Tito’s signature drink and a life-sized martini glass and spotlight act, and special mystery boxes by Blakeman’s Fine Jewelry. There was also a live auction with a variety of Razorback fan experiences and a surprise item donated by coach John Calipari himself — his suit jacket he wore in last year's away game where the Hogs beat Kentucky. The fashion show was another epic showcase of student athletes and cancer survivors, and the dance party kicked off with a human disco ball act and the tunes of DJ Derrick. The honorary chair was Tasha Tandy of Walmart, and Don and Jo Cope were presented the ACS Game Changer Award for their exceptional commitment and innovation in the fight against cancer. Approximately $700,000 was raised for cancer research, lodging and transportation grants for the state of Arkansas. www.suitsandsneakersar.com
Circle of Red Kick Off Health & Beauty Event
The American Heart Association kicked off recruitment for its Circle of Red at Gather Bentonville on Oct. 22. The event was led by Go Red for Women co-chairs Amanda Madrid, Jerrit Davis and Danelle Cobb, honorary chair Leslie Leonard, and Circle of Red co-chairs Julie McGrover, Jillayne Tompkins and Tina Winham. More than 100 Circle of Red guests got to hear from the Walmart Beauty, Personal Care and Baby teams about the latest in beauty trends, personal care, skincare, haircare, baby care and more. The Life is Why sponsor was The Emerson Group, and the Kickoff sponsor was Market Performance Group. For more information about becoming a member, visit www.heart.org/NWAGoRed
Hall of Honor
The Fayetteville Public Education Foundation held its 29th annual Hall of Honor induction ceremony Oct. 30 at the Fayetteville Public Library. The Hall of Honor acknowledges educators, friends and alumni who exemplify the legacy of excellence in Fayetteville Public Schools. The 2025 inductees are: Beth Storey Bryan, FHS Class of 1991; Rebecca (Becky) Cox, former Fayetteville Public Schools educator; and Diana and Lioneld Jordan; friends of public education. Approximately 320 guests enjoyed entertainment by the Fayetteville High School Jazz Band during the reception, dinner and a finale performance by the FHS Encore Choir. www.fayedfoundation.org
Arkansas Alumni Awards Celebration
On Oct. 31, the Arkansas Alumni Association hosted its 80th annual Alumni Awards Celebration at the Fayetteville Town Center. The evening began with a cocktail reception, wine pull, auction preview and photo opportunities. The program included recognition of 14 alumni and faculty honorees for their outstanding contributions to the University of Arkansas and the association. Approximately 300 guests were in attendance at this signature event. Honorees and their awards included: John Ed Anthony, Bobby W. Jones and Harvey L. Williams Jr., Citation of Distinguished Alumni; Neil M. Schmitt (posthumous) and Angela Eason Waldrip, Andrew J. Lucas Alumni Service Award; V. Anne Hart Allen and Charles T. Coleman, Community Service Award; Amy Counce and Jonathon Modica, Young Alumni Award; Scott Spradley, Honorary Alumni Award; Brent Thomas Williams, Faculty Distinguished Achievement Award for Service; Geoffrey Brock, Faculty Distinguished Achievement Award for Research; Alex Nelson, Faculty Distinguished Achievement Rising Teaching Award; and Mohja Kahf, Charles and Nadine Baum Faculty Teaching Award. Additionally, the annual Homecoming Online Auction raised more than $23,000 for the Alumni Scholarship Program. www.arkansasalumni.org
