THE SOCIAL FRONT
Runway for Hope
On Nov. 7, 2025, Hope Cancer Resources hosted its newly reimagined Runway for Hope Gala at the Heartland Whole Health Institute in Bentonville, introducing a fresh approach to fundraising while continuing the tradition of honoring the legacy of Bill Fleeman. The elegant event highlighted community leadership, fashion and philanthropy in support of patients navigating a cancer diagnosis. A highlight of the evening was the recognition of Dr. Kevin Pope, co-founder of The Breast Center of Northwest Arkansas, who received the Bill Fleeman Gentleman of Distinction Award for his leadership and lasting impact on breast health in the region. The gala also celebrated Russell Tooley of Simmons Foods, who was named the 2025 Model of Hope after raising the highest amount in the event’s new peer-to-peer fundraising challenge, reflecting the commitment of each model in supporting compassionate cancer care. This year’s models, outfitted by Hubbard Clothing Co., included: Olalekan Ajayi, Highlands Oncology Group; Michael Brewer, MLHP Solutions LLC; Russell Tooley, Simmons Foods; Ian McQuade, IM Retail; Michael Wheeler, Tyson Foods; Rod Bigelow, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art; Eric Brewer, The Hershey Company; Ryan Cork, UAMS Northwest Regional Campus; Chancellor Charles Robinson, Ph.D., University of Arkansas; and Scott Varady, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, University of Arkansas. Presented by the Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation, Inc., with Jeannie Fleeman and Family as founding sponsor, the gala raised more than $535,000 to support cancer patients and their families throughout their treatment journey. www.hopecancerresources.org.
National Philanthropy Day Luncheon
The Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals hosted its annual National Philanthropy Day Luncheon on Nov. 12, 2025, at the Fayetteville Public Library. Presented by the Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation, Inc., the event welcomed more than 430 guests to celebrate the spirit of philanthropy in Northwest Arkansas by recognizing local individuals, corporations and organizations for their work in the community. This year also marked 40 years of National Philanthropy Day, a monumental Ruby Celebration reflecting four decades of giving for AFP and 24 years for the Northwest Arkansas chapter. The University of Arkansas Office of Advancement served as Ruby Sponsor for this special occasion. To celebrate, the event featured a panel discussion hosted by Allison McElroy, founder of the McElroy Group, with three local leaders: Mandy Macke, executive director of the Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation, Inc.; Sandy Edwards, senior advisor for University Advancement; and Rev. Lowell Grisham, rector of St. Paul’s from 1997 to 2017. Proceeds from sponsorships and ticket sales support scholarships for local chapter members and professional development opportunities for nonprofit directors, fundraisers and board members. The honorees were featured in the November 2025 issue of CitiScapes Magazine. community.afpglobal.org/afparnorthwestchapter/home
Big Night
On Nov. 14, 2025, Jones Center hosted its 14th annual Big Night in Springdale, welcoming more than 350 guests to a French bistro-themed evening led by co-chairs Bill Bowen of Tyson Foods and Leslie Leonard of Walmart. The night featured a delightful dinner buffet from chef Thomas Wenrich of Tyson Foods and Catering Unlimited as well as a dessert patisserie. During the program, guests got to hear from Jones Trust Board Chair Celia Swanson and President and CEO Joe Lloyd. Highlights from the evening included a jewelry pull by Diamond Center, flower bouquet station, travel showcase from Raise Away, and live auction with packages such as a trip to Paris and NFL tickets. Guest also enjoyed a dance floor with music and entertainment by Funk Factory. The event, which raised approximately $310,000, supports the Access for Everyone scholarship program, providing children, families and adults with free and low-cost access year-round to the center’s recreation and sports, arts and culture, science, and education programs. www.thejonescenter.org
Denim and Diamonds Gala
Hosted by the Fayetteville Fraternal Order of Police Foundation, the fourth annual Cops 4 Kids Denim and Diamonds Gala took place Nov. 14, 2025, at the Fayetteville Public Library. Approximately 150 guests donned their best Nashville recording star attire for the evening, which featured special guest emcee Jason Suel of Good Day NWA and entertainment by DJ Derrick. Guests also enjoyed a silent auction and a wine and whiskey pull. The event raised nearly $50,000 to support programs such as Shop with a Cop, Youth Citizen’s Police Academy, scholarships and other youth events. www.facebook.com/cops4kidsgala
Light of Hope
On Nov. 5, 2025, Court Appointed Special Advocates of Northwest Arkansas hosted its Light of Hope Breakfast at the Rogers Convention Center, which featured keynote speaker John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart U.S. Then, on Nov. 18, 2025, the organization hosted its Light of Hope Luncheon at the Northwest Arkansas Convention Center in Springdale. The luncheon featured keynote speaker Matt Bunch, vice president and chief information security officer of Tyson Foods, as well as a video story about a successful parent and child reunification that was supported by a CASA volunteer. Both events were presented by General Mills. Across the two venues, more than 1,425 individuals attended to learn about and promote the mission of CASA, which is to provide compassionate volunteers to advocate for children who have experienced abuse and neglect. At these events, CASA of Northwest Arkansas raised more than $462,000 so far through the support of sponsors and generous guests. www.nwacasa.org
