THE SOCIAL FRONT
Go Red for Women Expo and Luncheon
The American Heart Association celebrated 22 years of Go Red for Women with a local expo and luncheon May 19 at the Rogers Convention Center. The event drew about 1,000 people and grossed roughly $700,000 to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women locally, nationally and globally. The expo featured sponsor booths, blood pressure and blood sugar screenings, hands-only CPR training, and a silent auction. This year’s Go Red for Women chairpersons were Amanda Madrid of Sam’s Club, Jerrit Davis of Walmart and Danelle Cobb of The Emerson Group. Leslie Leonard of Walmart was the honorary chair. Emceed by Daren Bobb and Stephanie Martinez, the luncheon featured the remarkable story of courageous survivor MacKenzie Maddry. Guests also heard from NWA Circle of Red co-chairpersons Julie McGrover of Sam’s Club, Jillayne Tompkins of Market Performance Group and Tina Winham of Conair as well as keynote speaker Jamie Anderson, two-time USA Olympic gold medalist. This year’s Woman of Impact class had eight nominees who raised a total of $105,000. Katie Schifano from Sam’s Club was the overall winner. The Teen of Impact campaign had seven nominees and raised $55,000. Joseph Jagla from Bentonville High School was the winner. heart.org/NWAGoRed
Chefs in the Garden
The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks hosted its 18th annual Chefs in the Garden at its location in Fayetteville on May 19. BGO welcomed more than 1,100 guests to enjoy an evening of fantastic food, drink and music amid the natural beauty of the garden. The event featured samples from 19 distinguished local restaurants and chefs, with drinks provided by six local breweries and beverage partners. Each chef was challenged to use one or both of the featured herbs, shiso and tarragon, grown at BGO. The Hive at 21c Museum Hotel won People’s Choice Best Bite, Conifer won People’s Choice Most Creative Bite and the Origami Sake + Snow Monkey Remix won People’s Choice Best Brew. This year’s honorary chef was Nadia Bentley of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Momentary. Proceeds from this event support BGO's mission of providing education, environmental awareness and unique nature experiences — connecting people with nature and with each other. www.bgozarks.org
Spring Gala
On May 28, the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas hosted its Spring Gala at Fayetteville Public Library. Approximately 250 guests attended the event, featuring a happy hour, dinner, live and silent auctions, and music by The Claudia Burson Trio. The program also featured special performances by the SoNA Singers choir under the direction of Terry Hicks, a chamber group performing selections from The Sorcerer’s Apprentice with narration arranged by SoNA contra-bassoonist Richard Bobo, cellist Carrington Truehart performing The Swan with pianist Lisa Auten, and a string ensemble made up of SoNA Mentors and regional high school students conducted by SoNA Principal Violist Jesse Collett. During the program, SoNA introduced its new music director, Akiko Fujimoto, who was appointed following a nationwide search and the 2025-26 Season of Discovery, which featured six guest conductors — including four finalists for the music director position. Approximately $100,000 was raised to benefit SoNA’s artistic vision, community outreach and education initiatives. The event was a celebration of SoNA’s mission to bring great music to life in Northwest Arkansas. www.sonamusic.org
Benton County Sheriff’s Cup
Law Enforcement Assistance Program NWA (L.E.A.P. NWA) hosted the sixth annual Benton County Sheriff’s Cup, presented by Signature Bank of Arkansas, on June 7 & 8 at Pinnacle Country Club in Rogers. More than 250 people attended a cocktail party June 7 at the clubhouse to network, connect and give back. Guests danced the night away to the live music of Mr. Lucky while enjoying an open bar, food provided by Wright’s Barbecue and a silent auction. Then, on June 8, golfers gathered for some fun on the green with a four-man scramble tournament in support of a great cause. Competitors indulged in a tasty lunch provided by Catering Unlimited and competed in challenges for amazing prizes. Between the two events, more than $200,000 was raised to support law enforcement in the pursuit of community safety and security. www.leapnwa.org
Women of All Generations
Chamber Fayetteville hosted its second annual Women of All Generations event June 16 at the Fayetteville Town Center. This inspiring event brought together approximately 350 guests to celebrate the achievements of women from all generations, build connections and inspire future leaders. It kicked off with a market of local woman-owned businesses, then Fayetteville Mayor Molly Rawn and Chamber Fayetteville President and CEO Jennifer Irwin opened the program. The evening highlighted Deb Euculano, the 2026 Sarah Jessie Young Leadership by Example Award, recipient recognizing her extraordinary contributions to the community. Attendees also listened to a presentation by Freeman Health System – Willow Creek Medical Center, and Shannon McNeill, the chamber’s events director, gave a HerStory Podcast project update. The program closed out with an insightful panel discussion, moderated by Brittany Phillips of Brittany Phillips Design, featuring local influential women representing four generations: Carol Gray, general manager of Village Inn Fayetteville; Kelsi Musick, head women’s basketball coach at the University of Arkansas; Jasmine Hudson, co-founder of Black Paper Party and Black Owned NWA; and Samantha Gregory, founder of Munchin with Mantha. www.fayettevillear.com
