THE SOCIAL FRONT
Wall of Distinction
On April 11, the Rogers Public Education Foundation hosted the 11th annual Wall of Distinction banquet at the Rogers Convention Center. Approximately 400 guests attended the event, honoring Ed Prentice and Patsy Mooney. Legacy Award Recipient Gina Kell was also recognized during the event. KNWA Today and Fox Morning News co-anchor Crystal Martinez served as the emcee for the event, with special messages from Dr. Jeff Perry, Rogers Public Schools superintendent, who expressed his gratitude and support for the Rogers Public Education Foundation and its commitment to helping the teachers of the district. The goal of the Wall of Distinction is to recognize and showcase the accomplishments of Rogers alumni, faculty and community members. Money raised from the event will be dispensed as grants to teachers in Rogers Public Schools. www.rogerspef.org
Red Shoe Soirée
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkoma celebrated its 9th annual Red Shoe Soirée on April 14 at Heroncrest in Elm Springs. Approximately 445 guests attended the event, presented by McDonalds and Tyson. The evening featured a VIP cocktail hour sponsored by Forvis with special guest host Danyelle Musselman, a raffle drawing, a silent auction, and a live auction including several chef's dinners, one-of-a-kind trips and more, presented by Bailey and Oliver auction team, as well as an after-party with DJ Brock Entertainment. Bryce Larry was presented the 2023 Taylor Award for his continuous dedication and support, and Hannah and Russ Reynerson were the evening’s Featured Alumni Family. The event raised more than $204,000 including having 10 bedrooms adopted. The rooms alone provide 3,600 overnight stays to children and families in Northwest Arkansas. www.rmhcofarkoma.org
Celebration of Excellence
On April 20, the Fayetteville Public Education Foundation hosted its 23rd annual Celebration of Excellence at the Arkansas Air Museum in Fayetteville. At the event, community partners, school patrons and educators gathered to celebrate $437,000 in teacher grants, the prestigious Pendergraft awards and student scholarships. The foundation also distributed 51 innovative and pioneering grants, and 10 scholarships to deserving seniors. This year’s distribution came from the Fayetteville Public Education Foundation’s $4.8 million endowment, which generated over $195,000 in grant awards and scholarships. The evening wrapped up with Dr. John L Colbert, the Fayetteville Public Schools superintendent, receiving the 2023 A.P.P.L.E. Award (A Patron Providing Leadership by Example) for his dedication and support of the Fayetteville Public Education Foundation. www.fayedfoundation.org
UnGala FUNdraiser
Northwest Arkansas’ most outrageous and hands-on fundraiser, the Scott Family Amazeum’s UnGala FUNdraiser presented by Nabholz Construction, returned to the Amazeum in Bentonville on April 21. The museum welcomed more than 425 ticketholders from 6 to 10 p.m. for activities inside and around the Amazeum. Kath McLay, president and CEO of Sam’s Club, was this year’s honorary chair. The event featured one-of-a-kind activations by the Amazeum's exhibits team and local creatives. Activations included an oobleck pool, a monochromatic room, percussion art as well as a temporary exhibit, LOOP, an interactive work that plays short flipbook-style movies inspired by Quebec literature. More than $112,500 was raised to support Amazeum accessibility initiatives. www.amazeum.org
Plant a Seed Soirée
On April 21, the NorthWest Arkansas Community College Foundation hosted its annual Plant a Seed Soirée fundraiser at NWACC’s Bentonville campus. Approximately 230 guests enjoyed a lovely garden reception, dinner, an online silent auction and entertainment by Two Story Radio. Guests also heard from current NWACC student Roni Ramos, recent NWACC graduate Tracy Lindstrom, and Jonathan Janacek, president of Janacek Remodeling. Proceeds raised from the event will go toward the NWACC Foundation for scholarships. www.nwaccfoundation.org
Heroes Gala
On April 22, Sheep Dog Impact Assistance hosted its annual Heroes Gala at the Rogers Convention Center. The event kicked off with a moment of silence, posting of the colors and the national anthem sung by Greg Pearson. Approximately 500 guests enjoyed dinner as well as a live and silent auction and live music by Coffey Anderson. Guests also heard Stuart Rowland of Stu’s Clean Cookin’ speak about his involvement with SDIA and his business. David Guggina, EVP of supply chain operations at Walmart, was the honorary chair for the event. Sheep Dog of the Year awards were given out to Don Redondo (Military), Adele O’Rourke (Law Enforcement), Cassandra Christy (Fire and Rescue), and Jack Wassman (EMS). The event raised more than $220,000 for the organization. www.sheepdogia.org
Panther Gala
On April 22, St. Joseph Catholic School, located in Fayetteville, held its annual Panther Gala at the Fayetteville Public Library event center with presenting sponsor Nabholz Construction. Father Jason Tyler kicked off the evening with a prayer, and approximately 250 guests enjoyed dinner, drinks, a photo booth, and entertainment by DJ Brock. The evening also included both a silent and live auction with items such as a Dan Skoff Weatherman for a Day, a wine tasting at Stone Chapel, and a Cajun cooking class presented by Cafe Rue Orleans. In total, the event raised more than $107,000 to support the future St. Joseph Performing Arts Center. www.sjfayschool.com
