2025 PRESENTING
SPONSORS
CELEBRATE
ARKANSAS , C H O OSE CHILL
Walmart Spark Good inspires a culture of local giving and makes it easier for customers to supporrt the causes that matter most to them. Scan the QR code to get started on Walmart.com.
SUPERIOR LIGHT BEER
ENJOY RESPONSIBLY
© 2025 Anheuser-Busch, Michelob Ultra ® Light Beer, St. Louis, MO
[95 calories, 2.6g carbs, 0.6g protein and 0.0g fat, per 12 oz.] • PHX
© 2025 Anheuser-Busch, Michelob Ultra ® Pure Gold,® Light Lager, St. Louis, MO
[85 calories, 2.5g carbs, 0.5g protein and 0.0g fat, per 12 oz.
COUNTRY CLUB RETAIL
One Uptown
Country Club Retail
Country Club O ces Heroes Co ee
As we step into a brand new year, I can't help but think of how life is a lot like a bouncing ball. See that giant red ball behind me … hope you were you able to catch RedBall Project when it “rolled” through Northwest Arkansas last year! But I digress, per the usual … life is full of ups and downs, but no matter how many times we hit the ground, we always bounce back stronger and more determined than before. This year let’s embrace that bounce with open arms and see what our community has to offer! Northwest Arkansas, you are such a treasure trove of exciting jewels that we unpack daily. This year’s jewels, if you will, are relatively unique and very creative … from a bourbon tasting event and huge museum anniversary to feeding your people and local influencers paying it forward, this issue has me very inspired and proud of our home. And I haven’t even touched on the events yet … I said it last year and it still rings true, there are many more events this year which means you have so many opportunities to support your passions. As we roll into this year, let’s embrace our own selves; ride a new trail, attend a philanthropic event you’ve never been to, bid on that once in a lifetime experience, dance like no one is watching at any NWA venue or simply cheers one another at a newly opened restaurant. Approach each day with the energy of that bouncing ball — rolling with the rhythm, springing back with enthusiasm and having fun along the way! A new year brings fresh starts, a chance to bounce higher than ever before, and I couldn’t be more excited to see where the journey takes us. Here's to all the rebounds, the laughter and the growth ahead!
Cheers to the new!
Kasie
JANUARY
THRU BEST IN SHOW: PETS IN CONTEMPORARY PHOTOGRAPHY
13
The Momentary www.themomentary.org
JAN 9 ART ON THE BRICKS
Rogers Lowell Chamber www.rogerslowell.com
JAN 18 RECOMMITMENT CELEBRATION
Northwest Arkansas Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Council www.nwamlk.org
JAN 21 CANCER CHALLENGE SPONSORSHIP KICKOFF BREAKFAST
Cancer Challenge www.cancerchallenge.com
JAN 22-23 "AIN'T TOO PROUD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS"
Walton Arts Center www.waltonartscenter.org
JAN 22- “PRIMARY TRUST”
TheatreSquared www.theatre2.org
JAN 25 BARNSTORMER BINGO
Thaden School www.thadenschool.org
JAN 30 CYCLENATION
American Heart Association www.heart.org
JAN 31 WALL OF DISTINCTION BANQUET
Rogers Public Education Foundation www.rogerspef.com
Girish Gupta, Julie Barber and Christine Allen
" JazzyJae"? Have you met
Jasmine Hudson (AKA Jazzy) and J’Aaron Merchant (AKA Jae) are best friends and co-founders and co-owners of Black Owned Northwest Arkansas, the social media account JazzyJaeNWA, and Black Paper Party.
The duo met in 2014 after each one moved to NWA in 2013 for their jobs at Walmart. Jasmine has a background in supply chain and graduated from Tennessee State University in Nashville after studying e-commerce and supply chain management. J’Aaron’s background is in illustration and animation, and she has previously worked with Disney, “Sesame Street,” and PBS Kids. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Savannah State University in Savannah, Georgia, and then studied animation at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Not exactly sure on the moment they met, the besties remember being in J’Aaron’s car on a drive to Dallas, and they’ve “been joined at the hip ever since,” Jasmine said.
When Jasmine and J’Aaron first moved here, it was a very niche area they were trying to get acclimated to. After being out and about and interacting in the NWA community, people started asking them what’s happening this weekend, hence, JazzyJaeNWA on Instagram was born. They started out creating daily posts of everything to do in NWA that was centered around their interests of food, art and fun.
“Essentially it was just like the chronicles of two single Black millennial women making their way in Northwest Arkansas,” Jasmine said.
And it didn’t stop with food or art; it morphed into many
questions from Black families about where to attend church or get their hair done. From all of this, Black Owned NWA then became a spinoff of JazzyJaeNWA, J’Aaron said.
“JazzyJaeNWA kind of encompasses everything relating to our interests. Black Owned NWA specifically highlights the Black experience and tries to help people that moved here,” J’Aaron said.
Black Owned NWA exists to make living in Northwest Arkansas easier for Black residents by highlighting Black businesses, events and resources beneficial to the community. Jasmine and J’Aaron’s mission through Black Owned NWA is to amplify local Black-owned businesses and connect people new to the area with churches, doctors, barbers, hair salons and more.
Jasmine describes Black Owned NWA as an unofficial directory of businesses spanning from Bella Vista to Fort Smith. Black Owned NWA now includes an Instagram account, Facebook account, newsletter and an annual expo … save the date for this year’s expo happening Feb. 22.
“It's cliché, but we became the change we wanted to see,” Jasmine said. “We wish we would have had resources to tap into the community when we first moved here, but since it didn't exist, we created it.”
Jasmine said that people seek them out to tell them that they visited a certain business because Black Owned NWA posted it, or they now have their therapist because she was listed in the directory, or “my business keeps selling out and I can't figure out how high is high because I was a part of your expo.”
“It’s just been real, tangible results that came from just our thoughts on how to contribute, which feels good," she said.
J’Aaron added that being graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) is very instilled in them of needing to give back and be active in your community.
“We show up. We show out for everything,” J’Aaron said.
Black Owned NWA values community partnerships. Over
the past 10 years, they’ve partnered with businesses ranging from Walmart and Tyson to Onyx Coffee and Ozark Regional Transit. They’ve also partnered with several nonprofits, including Scott Family Amazeum, Havenwood, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Dress for Success NWA and NextUp NWA.
But that's not all! Jasmine and J'Aaron are also co-founders of Black Paper Party, a company that creates culturally relevant seasonal and holiday products celebrating Black families. Along with their friend Madia Willis, who serves as the company's CEO, they launched the business in the fall of 2020. In the midst of a challenging and uncertain time, they wanted to bring some joy and lightness to the season. They chose to focus on Christmas, as "everyone loves Christmas," and J'Aaron highlighted that it was difficult to find holiday products that reflect Black families.
They combined their talents in animation, illustration and merchandising to create Christmas wrapping paper and products for the holiday season in 2020, using print on demand through Zazzle. The business took off and now features premium wrapping paper, gift bags, ornaments, greeting cards and décor. Black Paper Party has been featured on “Today,” “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” “Shark Tank,” “Bloomberg,” “Essence,” “Ebony” and “Women’s Wear Daily.”
While J’Aaron has now moved back to Savannah, she is still involved in JazzyJaeNWA, Black Owned NWA and Black Paper Party. If 2020 taught us anything, it’s how to work remotely and still be highly involved!
“It feels good to know I’m actively helping to build and shape the community that helped me during my young adult years,” J’Aaron said.
“And I would say too, you wouldn't necessarily think that Northwest Arkansas, of all places, would be a place for Black women to thrive, but I think we're living testaments to the fact that you can actually make a really good life here,” Jasmine added. “If you embrace the community, it'll embrace you back.”
Jasmine Hudson and J'Aaron Merchant
FEBRUARY
FEB 1 ARKANSAS GARDENING SCHOOL
Botanical Garden of the Ozarks www.bgozarks.org
FEB 2 SOUP SUNDAY
Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families www.aradvocates.org
FEB 7 MOONLIGHT MASQUERADE
Junior League of Northwest Arkansas www.juniorleaguenwa.org
FEB 8 ALL IN FOR TEENS CASINO NIGHT
Teen Action & Support Center www.tascnwa.org
FEB 8 POLAR PLUNGE
Special Olympics Arkansas www.specialolympicsarkansas.org
FEB 8 CUPID'S KILOMETERS 4K/8K
Run Bentonville www.runbentonville.com
FEB 11 OOH! LA, LA! A CHOCOLATE AND WINE PAIRING DINNER
Jackson L. Graves Foundation www.jacksongraves.org
FEB 13 ART ON THE BRICKS
Rogers Lowell Chamber www.rogerslowell.com
FEB 15 NORTHWEST ARKANSAS HEART BALL
American Heart Association www.heart.org
FEB 20-23 “THE BOOK OF MORMON”
Walton Arts Center www.waltonartscenter.org
FEB 21 MIRACLES & MAGIC MEDIATHON
Arkansas Children’s Northwest www.archildrens.org
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School A Knight to Remember Theresa and Chris Harrell
Realizing the future of packaging
We are a leader in innovative, paper-based packaging solutions, helping brands achieve their business and sustainability goals. From merchandising displays to
Bringing World-Class Health Care to the Heartland
The Alice L. Walton Foundation, Mercy, and Heartland Whole Health Institute announced a 30-year, $700 million affiliation agreement in September 2024 in a joint effort to expand access to health care, reduce costs, and improve health outcomes in the Heartland. Cleveland Clinic will collaborate, providing world-class cardiovascular expertise to the effort.
The affiliation will bring highly sought after transformative, value-based care to the Heartland, while reducing health care costs. It will include cutting-edge specialties and virtual care, developed with the whole person in mind. To support this vision, Mercy is committing $350 million, which will include initially building a new cardiac care center of excellence on Mercy’s campus in Rogers, Arkansas, and resources for additional physician recruitment.
of excellence for specialty care, including new cardiac services and virtual care in Bentonville, and to attract, train, and retain top physicians for the region. This effort represents one of the largest-ever specialty care investments in the Heartland.
“We believe that everyone deserves quality whole health care closer to home.”
-Alice Walton
Additionally, Alice L. Walton Foundation will provide $350 million in part to develop an outpatient center
Following these initial investments, the organizations will explore additional opportunities to expand care in the region.
“We believe that everyone deserves quality whole health care closer to home,” says philanthropist Alice Walton, founder of Heartland Whole Health Institute and the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine. “This powerful collaboration with Mercy and Cleveland Clinic will change the health care landscape in the Heartland, bringing together organizations that are dedicated to increasing quality, reducing costs, and making accessible, value-based care a reality.”
Cleveland Clinic, a national leader in cardiology
Steve Mackin, Alice Walton and Dr. Andrew Aboyme
Dr. Amr G. El-Shafei, Debra Walker, Steve Mackin and Alice Walton
and heart and vascular surgery, will provide on-site expertise to drive world-class clinical excellence in cardiovascular care by establishing processes, best practices, and fostering a culture of innovation. Mercy and Cleveland Clinic will co-brand the world-class cardiovascular center to be built on Mercy’s campus.
“We are pleased to be working together with the Alice L. Walton Foundation, Mercy, and Heartland Whole Health Institute to enhance access to quality cardiovascular care for the communities of Northwest Arkansas,” said Cleveland Clinic CEO and President Tom Mihaljevic, M.D., holder of the Morton L. Mandel CEO Chair. “This collaboration helps Cleveland Clinic fulfill our commitment to provide safe, compassionate care for more patients.”
Mercy, consistently ranked as one of the nation’s largest and highest performing Accountable Care Organizations (ACO) for almost two decades, has invested in care models and infrastructure to ensure high-quality and low-cost care across the regions it serves. Mercy’s leadership in value-based care has saved CMS (U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) more than $250 million over the last five years.
“We are at the beginning of a decades-long relationship to transform health care,” says Steve Mackin, Mercy’s President and CEO. “Health care has become increasingly complex, but we are committed to working closely with Alice and her teams to innovate a new model of care − one that reduces the total cost of health care while increasing the quality of care and providing access for all. Mercy opened the first virtual care center in the nation in 2015, long before a worldwide pandemic demanded virtual care for consumers. We are excited about bringing significantly enhanced, broad specialty care to Northwest Arkansas, while continuing to create meaningful and lasting change in the region.”
The 30-year agreement will include significant investments making Northwest Arkansas a destination for care and a national example of how to provide health care in new and innovative ways.
The Alice L. Walton Foundation and Cleveland Clinic previously announced an initiative to enhance access to specialty care services in Northwest Arkansas, following a study that revealed many patients leave the region for cardiology services, among other specialties.
One of the fastest growing regions in the U.S., Northwest Arkansas is situated to support a world-class health care destination at the center of the nation’s Heartland. The cardiac centers will form the foundation of a health hub that will:
• Provide residents in the 20-state Heartland region access to a comprehensive spectrum of cardiac services.
• Reduce total cost of care while increasing quality through value-based payment initiatives and delivery services.
• Deploy a model of preventative, whole health care that leverages technology and telehealth to improve health outcomes and reduce health care costs for the region.
• Attract a large group of new physicians, with plans for Mercy to bring hundreds to the region in the coming years.
• Position Northwest Arkansas as the premier health care destination and encourage new patients from the middle of the country to seek care in the region.
• Contribute to the Heartland’s economic strength, treat patients closer to home, and significantly reduce the $950 million currently lost annually due to patients seeking specialty care outside of Northwest Arkansas.
Mercy and Cleveland Clinic will collaborate with Heartland Whole Health Institute to ensure whole health principles form the foundation of the new cardiac centers, considering patients’ physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being and putting them at the center of a preventative and value-based care model. As part of the agreement, Mercy will serve as the primary educational partner for Alice L. Walton School of Medicine.
“We believe that transparent, wellness-oriented care is nonnegotiable,” says Walter Harris, President and CEO, Heartland Whole Health Institute. “Providers and patients alike benefit when the traditional approach to care and physician reimbursement is abandoned for a model that prioritizes keeping patients healthy and costs down. This is just the beginning of what we will accomplish together.”
For more information, visit www.mercy.net.
Dr. Amr G. El-Shafei, Steve Mackin and Alice Walton
Steve Mackin, Alice Walton and Debra Walker
FEB 22
BLACK OWNED NORTHWEST
ARKANSAS BUSINESS EXPO
Black Owned Northwest Arkansas www.instagram.com/blackownednwa
FEB 22 A KNIGHT TO REMEMBER
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School www.svdpschool.net
FEB 25 VISIONARIES OF THE YEAR KICKOFF
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society www.lls.org
FEB 28 OUT-OF-THE-BOX LUNCHEON
Girls on the Run
Northwest Arkansas www.gotrnwa.org
FEB TBD POWER OF INCLUSION
Sunshine School & Development Center www.nwasunshineschool.org
FEB TBD BATTLE OF THE BANKS
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas www.bbbsnwa.org
FEB TBD VOLUNTEER KICKOFF
NextUp Northwest Arkansas www.nextupisnow.org/regions/northwest-arkansas/
FEB TBD VOLUNTEER CONNECT
NextUp Northwest Arkansas www.nextupisnow.org/regions/northwest-arkansas/
FEB TBD MALE ALLY KICKOFF
NextUp Northwest Arkansas www.nextupisnow.org/regions/northwest-arkansas/
FEB TBD LATINXNA MEMBER EXCLUSIVE EVENT
Serve2Perform www.serve2perform.com
Girls on the Run Northwest Arkansas Out-of-the-Box Luncheon Jill Fenton, Latriece Watkins and Savannah Goins
MARCH
MAR 1 MASQUERADE BALL
Walton Arts Center www.waltonartscenter.org
MAR 1 ARKANSAS GARDENING SCHOOL
Botanical Garden of the Ozarks www.bgozarks.org
MAR 5-30 “TWELFTH NIGHT”
TheatreSquared www.theatre2.org
MAR 6 SUCCESS STORIES BRUNCH
Dress for Success Northwest Arkansas www.dfsnwa.org
MAR 6-9 "THE SOUND OF MUSIC"
Arts One Presents www.artsonepresents.org
MAR 8 DANCING WITH OUR STARS Children’s Tumor Foundation www.ctf.org
MAR 8 IRISH 5K/10K Run Bentonville www.runbentonville.com
MAR 10-14 AAO SHOOTING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS FUNDRAISER Arkansas Athletes Outreach (AAO) www.aaoteam.org
MAR 11 HANDPRINTS FOR HOPE LUNCHEON Children’s Safety Center www.childrenssafetycenter.org
MAR 13 ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF BUSINESS & COMMUNITY Rogers Lowell Chamber www.rogerslowell.com
Children's Tumor Foundation Dancing with Our Stars Tony Waller, Lee Hollingsworth, Melissa Parrish, Allisha Watkins, Misty Van Hooser and Ryan Fox
MAR 13 ART ON THE BRICKS
Rogers Lowell Chamber www.rogerslowell.com
MAR 15 THE BIG PARTY
Fayetteville Junior Civic League www.fayettevillejcl.org
MAR 15 BLACK FAMILY WELLNESS EXPO
Northwest Arkansas Chapter of The Links, Inc. www.nwalinksinc.org
MAR 15- KAWS: FAMILY
JUL 28
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art www.crystalbridges.org
MAR 18-23“FUNNY GIRL”
Walton Arts Center www.waltonartscenter.org
MAR 20 BUTTERFLIES & BLOOMS
Saving Grace NWA www.savinggracenwa.org
MAR 20 BABY BALL Compassion House www.compassionhouse.us
MAR 20 BRIGHTER DAYS Community Service, Inc. www.csiyouth.com
MAR TBD HAVENWOOD OPEN HOUSE Havenwood www.nwahavenwood.org
MAR TBD VIPINK
Susan G. Komen www.komen.org
MAR TBD THE BIG BET CASINO NIGHT & POKER TOURNAMENT
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas www.bbbsnwa.org
MAR TBD WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH/ INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY EVENT
NextUp Northwest Arkansas www.nextupisnow.org/regions/northwest-arkansas/
Saving Grace NWA Butterflies & Blooms
Lauren Greenhaw, Becky Shaffer, Adrienne Woods and Ashley Goss
(479) 397-1535 | khathaway@UnitedFCU.com
(501) 258-0955 | sriffle@UnitedFCU.com
APRIL
APR 1 CHERISHING CHILDREN
PINWHEEL RALLY - GENTRY
Children & Family Advocacy Center www.cfacbentonco.com
APR 1-30 PET STAMPEDE Circle of Life www.nwacircleoflife.com
APR 3 NWA GIVES www.nwagives.org
APR 4 CHERISHING CHILDREN
PINWHEEL RALLY - DOWNTOWN BENTONVILLE
Children & Family Advocacy Center www.cfacbentonco.com
APR 4 YOUTH OF THE YEAR
Boys & Girls Club of Benton County www.bgcbentoncounty.org
APR 5 DISTINGUISHED SCHOLARS BRUNCH
Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas www.spsfnwa.org
APR 5 HALF MARATHON
Run Bentonville www.runbentonville.com
APR 5 BIKERS FOR BLOOD DRIVE
Community Blood Center of the Ozarks www.cbco.org
APR 8-13 “BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE MUSICAL” Walton Arts Center www.waltonartscenter.org
APR 10 ART ON THE BRICKS Rogers Lowell Chamber www.rogerslowell.com
APR 11 CAMP 479
Girl Scouts Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas www.girlscoutsdiamonds.org
APR 11-13 VINTAGE MARKET DAYS www.vintagemarketdays.com
APR 12 HEROES GALA Sheep Dog Impact Assistance www.sheepdogia.org
APR 12
READING THE GREENS
Fayetteville Public Library Foundation www.faylib.org/foundation
APR 12
PINATA SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH (P.S.A.A.M.) EVENT
NWA Center for Sexual Assault www.nwasexualassault.org
APR 12-13 HOGEYE MARATHON & RELAYS www.hogeyemarathon.com
APR 14-18 DR. COMPTON NATIVE TREE & PLANT SALE Peel Compton Foundation www.peelcompton.org
APR 16- “IN THE GROVE, OF FORGETTING”
MAY 4 ~
TheatreSquared www.theatre2.org
APR 24 GAME SHOW BATTLE NWA NWA Food Bank www.nwafoodbank.org
RMHC of Arkoma Red Shoe Soirée Wes and Ella Shelton with their son Thayer
APR 24 ARTS ONE PRESENTS
GALA: EMPOWER THE ARTS
Arts One Presents www.artsonepresents.org
APR 24 STAND IN FOR HOPE: PINT & PIZZA PAIRINGS
Hub of Hope www.hubofhope.org
APR 25 RED SHOE SOIRÉE
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkoma www.rmhcofarkoma.org
APR 25 FAMILY FUN FESTIVAL & 5K
Children & Family Advocacy Center www.cfacbentonco.com
APR 25 OSAGE PARK AFTER DARK
Peel Compton Foundation www.peelcompton.org
APR 25 UNGALA
Scott Family Amazeum www.amazeum.org
APR 25 E.A.T. | ENGAGE & TASTE
Sharing & Caring of Benton County www.sharingandcaringkids.com
APR 26 HEART WALK
American Heart Association www.nwaheartwalk.org
APR 26 EARTH DAY GARDEN MARKET
Botanical Garden of the Ozarks www.bgozarks.org
APR 26 SUNSHINE GALA
Sunshine School & Development Center www.nwasunshineschool.org
APR 26 TOUCH-A-TRUCK
Junior League of Northwest Arkansas www.juniorleaguenwa.org
APR 26 PARTY WITH A PURPOSE
Breakthrough T1D www.breakthrought1d.org
APR 27 WINE DINNER
Restore Humanity www.restorehumanity.org
APR 30 CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE
Fayetteville Public Education Foundation www.fayedfoundation.org
APR 30 FIRESIDE CHAT WITH DOUG MCMILLON
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas www.bbbsnwa.org
APR TBD NWA FINEST HONOREE KICKOFF
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation www.cff.org/Arkansas
APR TBD VOLUNTEER CONNECT
NextUp Northwest Arkansas www.nextupisnow.org/regions/northwest-arkansas/
APR TBD DOG DAYS OF SUMMER
Humane Society of the Ozarks www.hsozarks.org
APR TBD HOME BREW TASTING & COMPETITION
Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter www.nwaws.org
APR TBD PAWS OFF NWA Center for Sexual Assault www.nwasexualassault.org
APR TBD BIG BASS TOURNAMENT
Pagnozzi Parker Charities www.pagnozziparker.org
APR TBD LATINXNA MEMBER EXCLUSIVE EVENT Serve2Perform www.serve2perform.com
Sunshine School & Development Center Sunshine Gala Blake Suess and Kristi Coats with Cheryl and Brian Yarbrough
YOU DESERVE THE BEST
At Premier, we combine cutting edge treatments with a holistic approach to wellness. Our team of board-certified dermatologists and skilled providers is dedicated to helping you achieve your skin and wellness goals – safely and effectively.
OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:
Advanced Skincare Treatments: Tailored solutions for every skin type, from acne to aging.
Aesthetic Services: Botox, fillers, laser treatments, body contouring, and facials to enhance your natural beauty.
Wellness Programs: Comprehensive evaluations and personalized plans for Hormone Replacement Therapy and Weight Loss.
Throughlong-standingessentialservices,weprovidethe resources needed for children and familiesinourcommunitywhohavebeenimpacted by trauma. By breaking thecyclesofabuse,wemake a lasting generational impact .
PASSIONATE CHAMPIONS of the Children & Family Advocacy Center
WCheer ING to 10 years!
here can you climb through a canopy, pick apples, experiment with chocolate, and tinker with science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics?
The Scott Family Amazeum is turning 10 in July 2025! The Amazeum features approximately 50,000 square feet of exhibit and learning spaces inside to bring learning to life and enhance family involvement, while evoking a sense of curiosity and discovery through hands-on activities. Since its opening, the museum has welcomed more than 2 million guests!
Sam Dean, chief executive officer of the Amazeum, has been with the children’s museum for more than 12 years, two years before it even opened to the public. He said the idea for the children’s museum started much earlier. Like every grassroots journey, the Amazeum started with “dreamers coming together” 20 years ago to create the roots of the organization called the Children’s Museum of Northwest Arkansas, Dean said. Those dreamers, simply put, a group of families with young children, started having “museum without walls” awareness session booths at community events and began fundraising for the museum. The museum became an official nonprofit in 2006 and received grant seed funding from local funders to help develop a master plan around 2008 and 2009. The groundbreaking was in 2014, and the museum opened in July 2015.
Elda Scott, mother and local philanthropist, saw one of those booths about 15 years ago. “I got so excited that I headed straight for them and said, ‘How can I help?’” Scott recalled. “I met Holly Hook and Jim Demaree that day and quickly inserted myself into this ‘amaZing’ journey!”
She and her husband Eric along with his parents Linda and Lee Scott decided that they wanted to help make this museum happen. They started with volunteering and then Elda and Eric co-chaired the initial campaign committee. From then, the family decided to make a substantial gift to help support this children’s museum. Elda
and Eric have continued on as board members of the Amazeum and are co-chairs of the next expansion campaign.
“As a young mother, the idea of bringing a children’s museum to our community felt like an urgent need. Little did I know what was in store for our small town at the time, but I’m thrilled that our family has been a small part of the exciting growth in Northwest Arkansas,” Elda Scott said. “We knew the Amazeum was going to be a fun place for kids and families to explore, create and tinker, but what we didn’t expect was the partnerships with local schools, teacher development, other science organizations and community partnerships. They have exceeded every expectation we had ever imagined!”
Since the museum’s opening, approximately 200,335 children and adults have participated in Unfield Trips, where students and educators take a deep dive into curiosity, discovery and creativity through hands-on learning immersed in exploration and inquiry, said Mindy Porter, chief learning officer of the Amazeum. Thanks to the Walmart Foundation, admission and virtual resources are free for pre-K through 12th grade public, private, homeschool, and charter school students in Benton and Washington counties. “We're helping our community to think about learning in a different way. Learning is something that happens all across your life, cradle to career.”
Dean describes the Amazeum as a playground not just for your body, but for your hands and your mind. “It's a place where you get to explore, laugh, be together with friends and learn a lot along the way.”
“What I love is, as kids age, the experience changes for them,” he said.
Dean is looking at 2025 as a year of sharing big ideas of the Amazeum, not just success stories, but really thinking forward: “What have we learned in our first 10 years? And like any precocious preteen, what are we excited for next?”
To learn more or donate to the Amazeum, visit www.amazeum.org.
Elda Scott, Sam Dean and Eric Scott
MAY 1 DISH
Arkansas Children’s Northwest www.archildrens.org
MAY 1 THEATRESQUARED GALA
TheatreSquared www.theatre2.org
MAY 1 EMPOWHER:CON WOMEN’S CONFERENCE & EXPO
Dress for Success Northwest Arkansas www.dfsnwa.org
MAY 1- BLEED BLUE
JUNE 30 Community Blood Center of the Ozarks www.cbco.org
MAY 2 PLANT A SEED SOIRÉE
NWACC Foundation www.nwaccfoundation.org
MAY 2 “CAN YOU SPARE A DIME?” BOWLING TOURNAMENT
Rogers Public Education Foundation www.rogerspef.com
TheatreSquared
MAY 2-3 NOON2MOON BIKE RACE
Peel Compton Foundation www.peelcompton.org
MAY 3 WALK FOR WISHES NWA
Make-A-Wish Mid-South www.walkforwishesnwa.org
MAY 3 KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY
Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter www.nwacs.org
MAY 3 HEATHER RIDLEY FLEEMAN BATTLE FOR HOPE
Hope Cancer Resources www.heathersraceforhope.com
MAY 3 HWOA ANNUAL CINCO DE MAYO FESTIVAL
Hispanic Women’s Organization of Arkansas www.hwoa.org
MAY 4 NWA GREAT STRIDES
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation www.cff.org/Arkansas
MAY 5
MERCY GOLF CLASSIC
Mercy Health Foundation Northwest Arkansas www.mercyhealthfoundation.net/nwa
MAY 8 ART ON THE BRICKS
Rogers Lowell Chamber www.rogerslowell.com
MAY 8 OUTRAGEOUS CORPORATE GAMES
Arkansas Athletes Outreach (AAO) www.aaoteam.org
MAY 8-10 HANGING BASKET SALE
Peel Compton Foundation www.peelcompton.org
Gala Bob Ford with Shannon A. Jones
Today’s consumers move fluidly across both physical and digital touchpoints. The Bluebird Group simplifies the retail ecosystem and reflects the shopper journey so brands can grow and sell to Walmart, Sam’s Club, Target, Amazon and more.
MAY 9 VISIONARIES OF THE YEAR
GRAND FINALE
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society www.lls.org
MAY 15 ROOTED IN RESILIENCE
Havenwood www.nwahavenwood.org
MAY 16-17 FRESHGRASS: BENTONVILLE
The Momentary www.themomentary.org
MAY 17 THE ABILITIES BALL Life Styles, Inc. www.lifestylesinc.org
MAY 20 GO RED FOR WOMEN
American Heart Association www.heart.org
MAY 20 CHEFS IN THE GARDEN
Botanical Garden of the Ozarks www.bgozarks.org
MAY 20-25“MJ”
Walton Arts Center www.waltonartscenter.org
MAY 23 GREAT GAS CARD GIVEAWAY
BLOOD DRIVE
Community Blood Center of the Ozarks www.cbco.org
MAY 29 SUMMER SWING
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas www.bbbsnwa.org
MAY 29-31 NWA FASHION WEEK INTERFORM interform.art
MAY 30 GLOW RUN
Run Bentonville www.runbentonville.com
MAY TBD SPRING LEARNING EVENT
NextUp Northwest Arkansas www.nextupisnow.org/regions/northwest-arkansas/
MAY TBD SPRING CELEBRATORY 5K
Girls on the Run Northwest Arkansas www.gotrnwa.org
MAY TBD TASTE OF ROGERS
Rogers Lowell Chamber www.rogerslowell.com
MAY TBD GOLD RUSH 5K AND FUN RUN
Bentonville Schools Foundation www.bentonvilleschoolfoundation.org
MAY TBD ANEMKWOJ JEN KAKKURE (AJK)
NWA Center for Sexual Assault
OCT 12
MAY 24- THE PRISON CONCERTS: FOLSOM AND SAN QUENTIN (JIM MARSHALL’S PHOTOGRAPHS OF JOHNNY CASH)
The Momentary www.themomentary.org
MAY 24- FRONT ROW CENTER: ICONS OF ROCK, BLUES, AND SOUL
OCT 12
The Momentary www.themomentary.org
MAY 24- THE MACHINE BEHIND THE ART: INSIDE JR’S PRINTING PRESS
JUN 7, 2026
The Momentary www.themomentary.org
JUN 1
JUNE
PICNIC ON THE SOUTH LAWN
Peel Compton Foundation www.peelcompton.org
JUN 4-29 “A GENTLEMEN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER” TheatreSquared www.theatre2.org
JUN 7 FAMILY DAY
Rogers Historical Museum Foundation www.rogershistoricalmuseumfoundation.org
JUN 7-8 DAM SLAM PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT
Peel Compton Foundation www.peelcompton.org
JUN 12 ART ON THE BRICKS
Rogers Lowell Chamber www.rogerslowell.com
JUN 12-14 CANCER CHALLENGE
Cancer Challenge www.cancerchallenge.com
JUN 16-22 BENTONVILLE FILM FESTIVAL www.bentonvillefilm.org
JUN 19 RESTORING LIVES: EVENING OF IMPACT
Children & Family Advocacy Center www.cfacbentonco.com
JUN 19 LET’S TALK NWA JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
NWA Center for Sexual Assault www.nwasexualassault.org
JUN 20 CATFISH, CORNDOGS & CORNHOLE
Mercy Health Foundation Northwest Arkansas www.mercyhealthfoundation.net/nwa
& Family Advocacy Center Restoring
JUN 21 PAINT THE TOWN RED American Heart Association www.heart.org
JUN 21 STATE ARCHERY TOURNAMENT
Peel Compton Foundation www.peelcompton.org
JUN 23 BENTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S CUP GOLF TOURNAMENT
Law Enforcement Assistance Program (L.E.A.P.) www.leapnwa.org
JUN 27 CANCER CHALLENGE SOCIAL Cancer Challenge www.cancerchallenge.com
JUN 28 NOCHE EN JALISCO
Casa Dos Alas www.casadosalas.com
JUN TBD SHARING & PAIRING
Sharing & Caring of Benton County www.sharingandcaringkids.com
JUN TBD MY BRIGHT STAR CAMPAIGN
Arkansas Children’s Northwest www.archildrens.org
JUN TBD VOLUNTEER CONNECT
NextUp Northwest Arkansas www.nextupisnow.org/regions/northwest-arkansas/
JUN TBD PRIDE MONTH CELEBRATION
NextUp Northwest Arkansas www.nextupisnow.org/regions/northwest-arkansas/
Children
Lives: Evening of Impact
Henry Plager, Cortnee Dysert, Erica Grundish, Sarah Hill, Bavan Sarvendram and Floyd Ferjuste
We’re raising a glass, because after two decades of providing reliable banking to communities around Northwest Arkansas, we’re still as passionate as ever about providing personal customer service to local business owners, families, and individuals. Our investment is in you — and that’s never going to change. Visit us online at signature.bank or come see us today to learn more about how we can serve you.
Customers are welcome at all locations. For full bilingual services, visit our Banco Sí locations in Downtown Rogers and Downtown Springdale.
SAMANTHA ARROYOS
SAMANTHA ARROYOS Partner, Serve2Perform (S2P)
Samantha Arroyos is a born and raised Northwest Arkansan. She has worked at Serve2Perform (S2P) for 11 years, is currently a partner and spent the previous three years as the executive director of S2P’s LatinXNA community. Samantha and her partner Braden live in Fayetteville with their pup named Smitty. She is a music lover, everything from folk to pop to reggaeton, and also an outdoor enthusiast, everything from hiking to backpacking to canoeing.
Education:
B.S. Business Administration and Management with a focus in Leadership and a minor in Marketing, University of Arkansas Walton Honors College
When did you know what you wanted to do?
I have had phases of discovery. I knew when I was 14 that I wanted to help people grow to their fullest potential. At the time, I thought it would be as a middle school math teacher. Three years later, I realized I could achieve this with adults in my family’s people development firm, S2P. Since then, I’ve learned that I want to bring that passion of lifting up others wherever I go. Many people are encouraged to dim their light, and I love to shine it on people, especially women and Latino/as.
If you won the lottery, what cause/organization would you support?
Group homes throughout the country. Not only in resources and experiences for these children but for therapeutic support.
Best advice you’ve ever received:
Breathe. Simple but extremely powerful and helpful. Surprising fact about you:
I’ve been skydiving at 15,000 feet and went on an ancient archeological dig in Siena, Italy.
How do you stay motivated?
Knowing my why. I know it’s silly simple, but it makes a world of difference for me. Whether it’s a work assignment, a board seat task or going on a walk, I’ve got to know my why.
Who is someone you really want to meet but haven't had the chance?
America Ferrera. I’ve followed her career since I was a kid. She has not only been a Latina representation for us but an example of how you can be an absolute badass in your career while helping uplift your community.
How do you want to be remembered?
A listening ear and hug when you need Heels or flats/sneakers?
Dr. Martens all day
Thing you’re most proud of:
Buying a home, a safe haven for myself and those I love
REGINA BAILEY
REGINA BAILEY
Sr. Director of Retail Strategy, Menasha Packaging
Regina Bailey was born and raised in the Houston, Texas area. She has lived in Denver; Appleton, Wisconsin; Cypress, Texas; Manhattan, New York; and Bentonville twice, off and on for 20 years. She is currently the Sr. Director of Retail Strategy at Menasha Packaging. She was married for 32 years and is currently a widow with one child. Her son, Craig, is also in the vendor community and is married to Alyssa, a middle school teacher in Fayetteville. She also touts having the greatest 92-year-old mom!
Education:
B.S. Business/Mathematics, Texas State University
M.Ed. Educational Technology, Texas A&M University
When did you know what you wanted to do?
I’ve always loved math, so when the sales teams began to use data, the application really intrigued me to learn as much as I could about the acquisition of the data and how to interpret and apply it to the shopping experience. That was in Denver in the late 1980s!
Best part of your job:
Every day presents a new set of challenges and problems to solve due to the dynamic nature of the shopper, the retailer and the manufacturers that I have the privilege to work with daily.
One thing you’d love to master in business:
Dealing with the idiots
Quality you admire most in women:
Resilience and the ability to juggle priorities
If you won the lottery, what cause/organization would you support?
I would find the cure for cancer! I would also continue to support my church, the Mercy Health Foundation, the NWA Children’s Shelter and the American Heart Association.
Surprising fact about you:
I have visited 49 of 50 states and 28 of 30 MLB ballparks. Currently I’m planning to complete the bucket list in 2025 by traveling to Maine and the ballparks for the Toronto Blue Jays and Pittsburgh Pirates.
How do you stay motivated?
My motivation is grounded in a quest of continuous learning and experiences. I enjoy doing new things and seeing what the world of cultures has to offer via travel, food, connections and activities.
How do you want to be remembered?
Fair, fearless and fun
Describe yourself in a hashtag.
#ihaveaspreadsheetforthat
What’s on the background of your phone?
Flamingo
KATIE HOLLOWELL
KATIE HOLLOWELL
Executive Vice President of Client Services, Saatchi & Saatchi X
Katie Hollowell was born in Nashville, Tennessee, but she spent the majority of her life in Rogers, Arkansas. She has worked at Saatchi & Saatchi X for 13 years, and she is currently Executive Vice President of Client Services. She graduated from the University of Arkansas, which is where she met her husband Tripp. She is a mom to four boys - age 7 and under!
Education:
B.S. Marketing Management, University of Arkansas
Did you always know what you wanted to do?
I did not know exactly what I wanted to do, but I have always appreciated the power of creativity. I loved anything related to arts and crafts as a child, painted in high school and college as a side hustle … and was later drawn to the creative and inspiring agency environment. I quickly realized that building relationships and solving problems takes creativity too!
Best part of your job:
The people and relationships built. It is rewarding to solve challenges and deliver business results for our clients alongside talented and kind people.
Quality you admire most in women:
The ability to relate to others. Life is a journey, and everyone is at a different stage in that journey. Women have an incredible ability to meet people where they are and support one another throughout those different stages.
If you won the lottery, what cause/organization would you support?
Make-A-Wish. I have seen the life-changing impact that this organization has on families through our dear friends. Personal Mantra:
Leave it better than you found it.
What's the best trait you got from your parents?
My dad’s work ethic and my mom’s steady and loyal demeanor
Do you have a hidden talent?
I love a monogram, and I embroider for friends and family as a creative outlet on the side.
How do you want to be remembered?
As a mom who loved her family and as a leader who cared deeply for others and made an impact
What’s on the background of your phone?
Slobbering Razorback! WPS!
What’s your favorite time of day?
There might not be anything better than 5:30 a.m. on a Saturday, drinking my coffee and catching up on a show while my family is still fast asleep!
If you can shop it, we can
do it.
Saatchi & Saatchi X helps our clients win, no matter the environment or challenge. With omnichannel expertise and a culture of collaboration, we create ideas that turn shoppers into buyers.
© 2024 Saatchi & Saatchi X
KIMBERLY McGEE
KIMBERLY McGEE
Senior Manager, Walmart Foundation
Kimberly McGee lives in Bentonville, moving from Alabama to Northwest Arkansas more than 15 years ago to pursue a career at Walmart. As a key member of the Walmart Foundation, Kimberly is dedicated to creating a positive and lasting impact in our communities by complementing and extending Walmart’s business efforts in supporting a culture of belonging. She is passionate about community service and empowering women to succeed on a personal and professional level. Since she was a young teen, Kimberly has volunteered with nonprofit organizations to help improve her community. She enjoys traveling, crafting and cheering on her alma mater, The University of Alabama.
Education:
B.S. Management Information Systems and a minor in Computer Software Systems, The University of Alabama
M.B.A., Webster University
Best part of your job:
The people who make a positive impact in our workplace and community! Each day I have the privilege to work within my purpose and add value to my organization.
Quality you admire most in women:
Strength, confidence and resilience. This empowers women to navigate complex situations with strong emotional intelligence to reach a desired outcome.
If you won the lottery, what cause/organization would you support?
I would continue to support the American Cancer Society. As a cancer survivor, I have a personal mission to educate our community about reducing your risk with lifestyle choices, prevention methods and recommended screenings. Also, it is important to share tools and resources with those who are navigating cancer to help them cope and strive for a positive prognosis.
Best advice you’ve ever received:
Be open to change and navigating with a positive mindset in the gray. Change is always guaranteed. It is important to be curious and say yes to making pivots in your journey.
Most used app on your phone:
My calendar. I am the ultimate planner and thrive when I am organized. As a true extrovert, I am open to a great social calendar and new adventures – just schedule it. I am intentional in how I prioritize my time, and my calendar holds me accountable.
What are three things you can’t live without?
Love, lipstick and great books
What superpower would you want?
To allow people to truly live the experience of others for a designated duration. This immersive approach would provide perspective, thought leadership and empathy. This would allow our world to truly embrace love, understanding and humanity.
What is your go-to karaoke song?
“Survivor” by Destiny’s Child
JULY
JUL 3 PINT FOR A PINT BLOOD DRIVE
Community Blood Center of the Ozarks www.cbco.org
JUL 10 ART ON THE BRICKS
Rogers Lowell Chamber www.rogerslowell.com
JUL 12 PARADISE FOUND 5K
Peel Compton Foundation www.peelcompton.org
JUL 15 ANGELS PAYING IT FORWARD IMPACT CELEBRATION
Circle of Life www.nwacircleoflife.com
JUL 17-27 “THE WIZARD OF OZ”
Arts One Presents www.artsonepresents.org
JUL 19 GREG KRISELL BIGGIN' IN THE BOAT BAGGO TOURNAMENT Hope Cancer Resources www.hopecancerresources.org
JUL 19 FIREFLY FLING
Botanical Garden of the Ozarks www.bgozarks.org
JUL 24 SPARK OF HOPE
Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas www.spsfnwa.org
JUL 26 DREAM BIG CHARITY GALA Children’s Safety Center www.childrenssafetycenter.org
JUL 31- WILL GOLF 4 KIDS
AUG 1 Arkansas Children’s Northwest www.golfandgala.com
Grubbs, Marianne Bieker
Kim Mertes
Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas Spark of Hope Tyler B. Clark with Frankie Rankin
P& Botanical Garden is turning 150 this year! The Peel Compton Foundation is celebrating this significant milestone throughout 2025 with a variety of special events, an exhibit and a preservation campaign. Highlights include the 150th Picnic on the South Lawn on June 1, School Days in September and Christmas at the Peel Museum on Dec. 5. The historic home is one of the oldest structures in Bentonville and now serves as a museum showcasing life in the late 1880s, surrounded by gardens inspired by the era.
Before looking ahead to the museum's 150th Anniversary Year, though, let's look back at its beginnings.
The Italianate style home was constructed in 1875 by Congressman Samuel West Peel and his wife, Mary Emaline Berry Peel. The couple had 11 children, 9 of whom lived to adulthood, said Chelsea Stewart, Museum Manager for the Peel Compton Foundation. While the architect and contractor remain unknown, the brick and stone used in the building were supplied by John Braithwaite’s brickyard. “The Peel estate originally encompassed the house, a large farm with 150 acres, apple orchards, several livestock barns, a carriage house, two wells and three ponds,” she said.
Samuel Peel was a distinguished lawyer, farmer and Arkansas Congressman, with significant involvement in working with
the region's first tribes. In 1882, he was elected to the U.S. Congress and served as a Representative for Arkansas from 1883 to 1893.
Samuel Peel sold the house and land in 1908. Later owners added the gray stucco that now covers the exterior and made additions to the back of the house, which is now used as an event rental space by the Peel Compton Foundation. Stewart also mentioned that at one point the house was abandoned for nearly 60 years. During that time, it fell into disrepair. “By the early 1990s, the house was in dire condition — the roof was failing, a tree had grown through an upstairs bedroom, and the porch was propped up with two-by-fours,” Stewart said.
Historical photo of the Peel property (Courtesy of Special Collections)
Peel Museum & Botanical Garden
In the early 1990s, Helen Walton envisioned preserving the Peel house, according to Kelly Kemp-McLintock, Assistant Director of Development/Special Projects for the Peel Compton Foundation. At the time, her husband, Sam Walton, was searching for the perfect location in Bentonville to build a Walmart Supercenter and decided on the land where the Peel property stood. Kemp-McLintock added that Helen suggested they preserve the historic Peel home and move the Supercenter further back on the property.
“She had that early vision of preserving history, and she knew how important the Peel home and property was in the very early days of Bentonville,” Kemp-McLintock said.
In 1991, Helen Walton, alongside a group of local community leaders, spearheaded the creation of The Peel House Foundation with the goal of restoring what was originally known as The Peel Mansion and Heritage Gardens.
“Helen reached out to her closest friends in Bentonville, asking if they would consider contributing to a fund for the necessary renovations to open the house to the public,” Kemp-McLintock said.
One of the first employees Helen Walton hired was Joan Clifford, who became the assistant museum director. “Joan, a dedicated preservationist, brought in a team to carefully remove baseboards and uncover the layers of paint and wallpaper,” Kemp-McLintock said. The wallpaper in Samuel Peel’s study, parlor and other rooms was meticulously researched and recreated to closely match the original. Stewart added that many of the objects in the house come from the Peel family and have been donated to the Foundation by the descendants. Other pieces are on long-term loan from the state, ensuring the home reflects the way it looked when Mary Emaline Peel decorated it in the Victorian era.
“The restored Peel home had an official Open House in 1994,” Kemp-McLintock added. The following year, in 1995, the
building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
“The Peel House Foundation also restored the grounds, creating gardens typical of the Victorian era, including a cutting garden, an herb garden, a vegetable garden, a perennial garden, and an apple orchard,” said Debra Layton, Executive Director for the Peel Compton Foundation.
The Peel House Foundation then acquired a home next to the Bentonville Square, originally built for the PutmanCompton family. The late Dr. Neil Compton, a passionate conservationist, filled the surrounding acreage with plants and trees native to Arkansas, supporting the regional ecosystem. In 2004, the property was transformed into a community space, initially named Compton Gardens and Conference Center. To better reflect the organization’s expanded goals and scope, the Peel House Foundation changed its name to the Peel Compton Foundation in 2010.
The Peel Compton Foundation now encompasses the Peel Museum & Botanical Garden, Compton Gardens & Arboretum, Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, and Osage Park/The Quiver Archery Range. The Foundation’s mission is to connect the community through nature, education, recreation and preservation.
One of the educational initiatives of the Peel Compton Foundation is School Days, a free program held each September that offers fourth graders from across Northwest Arkansas the opportunity to experience life in the late 1800s. “Launched over 20 years ago, the idea for the program came from Leah Whitehead, former Executive Director for the Foundation,” Layton said. During School Days, students visit various stations throughout the Peel Museum & Botanical Garden, where they engage in hands-on activities led by local museums, artists and volunteers. Over the past two decades, nearly 20,000 children have taken part in the program.
Kemp-McLintock noted that the Foundation has had a longstanding partnership with the Bentonville Garden Club,
Springtime at Peel Museum & Botanical Garden
Helen Walton donned 19th-century period costume during a 1990s Christmas event at the Peel home
Samuel West Peel's study
which participates in the School Days program. Additionally, the club decorates the Peel Museum for Christmas at the Peel Museum each year.
“In the early years of this Christmas event, Helen Walton and other Foundation members donned 19th-century period costumes and even served dinner while dressed in them,” Kemp-McLintock said. What began in the 1990s as a small gathering for board members and volunteers has since grown into the Foundation's largest fundraising event.
In early 2020, the Foundation began the museum’s multi-year journey toward accreditation. Several improvements were made, including the digital archiving of all artifacts and the hiring of professional museum staff, such as Stewart. In 2024, the Peel Museum & Botanical Garden achieved accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). “Only 3% of museums and less than 1% of historic homes in the United States have earned this prestigious status,” Layton said.
Lynne Walton, board president for the Peel Compton Foundation, said she and her husband Jim Walton are excited to celebrate the 150th Anniversary Year of the Peel home and family in Bentonville throughout 2025.
“What was once a large farm and law office in an elegant home with nine children, continues to represent the energy and industry of Bentonville.”
-Lynne Walton
“The family aspired to restore their life to a happier and prosperous way of life after a devastating Civil War,” Walton said.
She added that many individuals have contributed to the preservation effort through historic research, sharing stories
and artifacts, and making donations. “Now it is a living history lesson. Among those who made lasting contributions are John Cole, Joan Clifford, Leah Whitehead and Nelle Hayden. Today, we are grateful for the staff and leadership at the Peel Compton Foundation who work hard every day to keep the Peel Museum a part of our growing community,” Walton said.
Kemp-McLintock shared that in summer 2024, board members began visiting with the founding families who joined Helen Walton in preserving the Peel home. During these visits, they had many meaningful conversations about the deep affection this community has for the property. The Foundation has launched a 150th Anniversary YearPreservation of Peel Campaign, with the goal of growing an endowment that will support ongoing repairs and preservation efforts for generations to come. Once all donor gifts are collected, a new sign will be placed on the Peel property to recognize those who contributed to the 150th Preservation Campaign, she said.
The Foundation also launched the 150th Brick Campaign, inviting community members to leave their own legacy on this beloved landmark. “Each brick tells a story — of a family, a memory or a connection to the Peel Museum’s enduring legacy,” said Alyssa Traxson, Director of Marketing & Rentals for the Peel Compton Foundation. “It’s a way for individuals and families to contribute to preserving and enhancing one of Bentonville’s most beloved treasures.”
Each customized brick paver will be prominently displayed on sidewalks of the Peel grounds. The campaign goal is 1,000 bricks.
“It’s great to be able to preserve the property in the here and now, but we really want to preserve that property for future generations,” Layton said.
For more information, visit www.peelcompton.org.
Dining room
Peel Museum & Botanical Garden decorated for Christmastime
Entryway decorated for 2024 Christmas at the Peel Museum
LOCAL HOSPITAL, STATEWIDE CARE
employs over 5,000 people dedicated to your child’s care.
Arkansas Children’s At Arkansas Children’s Northwest, your child receives the expertise, compassion and nationally-ranked care of the entire Arkansas Children’s team.
ACNW has:
• the region’s only pediatric emergency room, open 24/7
• a primary care clinic and a wide variety of sub-specialty services
• a state-of-the-art pediatric surgery unit with 5 operating rooms
• physical, occupational, and speech therapy
• a full range of ancillary and diagnostic services, child life, social work and pastoral care programs
• AND the strength and support of Arkansas Children’s Hospital and statewide clinics
PASSION for Pediatric Health
Arkansas Children’s Northwest Welcomes Dr. Rustin Morse
Taking the helm in July 2024, Rustin Morse, M.D., brings his expertise, drive and passion for pediatric health to Arkansas Children’s Northwest (ACNW).
As senior vice president and chief administrator, Dr. Morse oversees ACNW’s hospital leadership and strategic plan for pediatric health care — a role that represents both a significant professional milestone and a deeply personal mission.
“I truly enjoy taking care of children,” he said. “They are just remarkable in their ability to be honest, candid, funny, kind and — perhaps most importantly — resilient. Even when they’re dealing with unfortunate illnesses and injuries, there is much one can learn from them in how they approach their challenges and opportunities.”
As a dual board-certified pediatrician and pediatric emergency medicine specialist, Dr. Morse is poised to guide ACNW through exciting phases of growth. A 72,000-square-foot addition of new hospital space is underway at ACNW, part of a $318 million, system-wide investment that will equip the state’s nationally ranked pediatric health system to grow alongside Arkansas’s children.
“It’s an exciting time to be in Northwest Arkansas,” Dr. Morse said. “Our job at Arkansas Children’s is to complement population growth with growth of pediatric services, with a keen focus on allowing more families who need care to stay in Northwest Arkansas.”
Philanthropy, Dr. Morse said, plays a vital role in making these expansions possible. Generous donations have always been the backbone of growth and programmatic development.
“The Northwest Arkansas community understands and appreciates the value and role ACNW plays, and this is not something we take for granted,” Dr. Morse said. “The generosity of the community is what allowed ACNW to come to fruition and is positioning us for further growth through 2026 and beyond.”
From its founding as an orphanage in 1912 to becoming a nationally acclaimed health system, Arkansas Children’s has remained steadfast in its commitment to championing children. To learn more about the expansion, visit www.archildrens.org/expansion. To support Arkansas Children’s growth, visit www.archildrens.org/donate or call 800-880-7491 today.
About 500 guests championed for children at the casino themed 2024 Gala of Hope, hosted by Tareneh and Dr. Lance Manning. This annual gala, along with the two-day Will Golf 4 Kids tournament, raised $1.83 million to support the expansion project at Arkansas Children’s Northwest.
Silvia Azrai Kawas and Will McDonald were the honorary co-chairs for the 2024 Will Golf 4 Kids, and Mike Sewell and Tony Murphy were the chairs of the tournament. Walmart is the Founding Sponsor for Will Golf 4 Kids, and the Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation is the Founding Champion Sponsor for Gala of Hope.
The 16th annual black-tie gala took place at the Fayetteville Public Library Event Center, which transformed for the evening into a grand casino experience. Guests enjoyed a lavish reception with a signature martini bar and tried their luck in games of chance like blackjack, craps and roulette tables while bidding on luxury items in the live and online silent auctions. The evening also included an elegant gourmet dinner.
Gracelyn Lee, 7, served as the 2024 Champion Child for Will Golf 4 Kids and Gala of Hope. This Fayetteville first-grader almost always has a bright, beaming smile on her face. She loves a good dance party, showing cows and talking about her many animals.
Tareneh and Dr. Lance Manning Silvia Azrai Kawas with Fred Scarborough
Tonia McMakin, Casey Hamaker, Tareneh and Dr. Lance Manning, Jennifer and Hunter Yurachek, Mandy Macke and Fred Scarborough
Marcy and Mark Doderer
Keith Roberts and Laurice A. Hachem-Roberts
Skyelar Speed, Job Bautista, KJ O’Dell, Nick Newbill, Heather Anderson, Lizette Perez, Matthieu Sutton and Maggie Boles
Dalilah Donis and Ben Blakeman
Celia Swanson, Jessica Gray, Betsy Phillips and JoAnne Phillips
Jon and Joanie Dyer
Jennifer and Hunter Yurachek
Dr. Rustin Morse (from right) with his wife Michelle and son Eli
Nearly two years ago, Gracelyn was diagnosed with Wilms tumor, a kidney cancer that mainly affects children. She received life-saving treatment at both ACNW and ACH. Lauren and TJ, Gracelyn’s parents, are profoundly grateful for Gracelyn’s resilience and the support of their care team, who became like family during their challenging journey.
“The commitment shown by the community, sponsors and volunteers to the children of Arkansas is truly inspiring. Thanks to the tremendous support from so many, this has been an outstanding year for Will Golf 4 Kids and Gala of Hope,” said Fred Scarborough, executive vice president and chief development officer at Arkansas Children’s. “I am deeply grateful to everyone who donated their time, talent and resources to ensure Arkansas Children’s Northwest remains right-sized for the region.”
Arkansas Children’s historic, $318 million, system-wide expansion — which includes an $83 million dollar investment needed for Arkansas Children’s Northwest — will increase access to pediatric care, enhance exceptional outcomes for children and elevate patient experience on both hospital campuses. The expansion project at ACNW will include added surgical space, more operating rooms, procedure rooms, hospital beds and additional clinic space. To learn more about the expansion, visit archildrens.org/expansion.
The 2025 Will Golf 4 Kids tournament will be held July 31-Aug. 1. The 2025 Gala of Hope will be held Aug. 1. For more details, visit www.golfandgala.com.
Johnelle Hunt with Lauren and TJ Lee
Robin and Gary George
Mechelle Meredith-Ehardt and Bobby Ehardt
Mandy Macke, Tareneh Manning, Julie Swope and Jennifer Yurachek
Jaclyn and Raymond House
Patrick and Julie Swope Kevin Macero and Kathryn Keen
Jeff House, Emily McCoy, and Ginger and Thomas Blackmon
Lindsay Thomas with Enid Olvey
Scott and Laurie Letts, Angela and Derek Jones, and Carrie and Mark Smalling
Nelson and Susan Peacock
Will and Hannah Clark with Courtney and Hunter Norton
Tareneh Manning, Mandy Macke, Jennifer Yurachek and Patty White
Shot on location at Callisto, downtown Bentonville.
for child Health Casino-Themed Gala takes on a Tropical Twist All in
This year marks the 31st annual Will Golf 4 Kids tournament and 17th annual Gala of Hope, both benefiting Arkansas Children’s Northwest (ACNW). These volunteer-led events have raised more than $24.5 million for children over the years.
Will Golf 4 Kids, a four-person scramble golf tournament, will be on Thursday, July 31, and Friday, Aug. 1, at the Dogwood Golf Course and Kingswood Golf Course in Bella Vista. It will feature morning and afternoon shotgun starts, legendary goody bags and opportunities to network with other champions for children.
Gala of Hope, scheduled for Friday, Aug. 1, will transform the Fayetteville Public Library Event Center into a lush, palm-fringed, paradise-inspired casino. Hosted by chairs Patty and Noel White, this year’s theme, Oasis Casino, adds an exhilarating, vibrant, tropical-haven twist to the ever-popular casino experience. Attendees can look forward to an elegant evening, featuring games of chance; live and silent auctions; and an intimate, gourmet meal.
“The community is so fortunate to have access to first-class care at the region’s only children’s hospital,” Patty said. “Now that our children and four grandchildren (with one on the way!) call Northwest Arkansas home, we understand firsthand how vital Arkansas Children’s is to this community.”
Noel, former president and CEO of Tyson Foods, is also chair of the ACNW Board of Directors. He has witnessed ACNW’s impact directly as the hospital undergoes a transformative and historic expansion to meet the health care needs of the
region’s growing pediatric population. Construction for the project, which began in 2024, includes an $83 million investment needed for ACNW’s new hospital tower.
“It’s inspiring to see the community come together to ensure children have access to the care they need,” Noel said. “The continued growth of Arkansas Children’s Northwest is crucial to keeping up with the population boom in this area, and expansion has always been part of the long-term strategic plan for the hospital. We’re building something that will continue to meet the needs of our children for generations.”
Arkansas Children’s Foundation board member, past gala chair and executive director of the Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation, Inc., — the founding Gala of Hope Champion Sponsor — Mandy Macke is also excited to support the 2025 event.
“The impact of Arkansas Children’s Northwest on our community is immeasurable, and it’s critical the hospital remains right-sized to meet the needs of this region,” Macke said. “Every dollar raised through events like Will Golf 4 Kids and Gala of Hope directly supports families in Northwest Arkansas. It’s inspiring and rewarding to see how our collective generosity helps build a healthier, brighter future for our children.”
The 2025 Will Golf 4 Kids Tournament will be held July 31-Aug. 1, and Gala of Hope is Friday, Aug. 1. For more details, visit www.golfandgala.com. To support Arkansas Children’s growth, visit www.archildrens.org/donate or call 800-880-7491 today.
AUG 1
AUGUST
GALA OF HOPE
Arkansas Children’s Northwest www.golfandgala.com
AUG 7-11 NWA CHALLENGE FOR HOPE www.nwachallengeforhope.com
AUG 9 RISE CHALLENGE
Peel Compton Foundation www.peelcompton.org
AUG 14 ART ON THE BRICKS
Rogers Lowell Chamber www.rogerslowell.com
AUG 15-16 SOAR NWA
Open Avenues www.soarnwa.com
AUG 21 SIP & SAVOR
Boys & Girls Club of Benton County www.bgcbentoncounty.org
AUG 25 GOLF 4 A CAUSE
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkoma www.rmhcofarkoma.org
AUG 29-31TRIFEST FOR MS
Rampy MS Research Foundation www.researchms.org
AUG TBD VOLUNTEER CONNECT
NextUp Northwest Arkansas www.nextupisnow.org/ regions/northwest-arkansas/
AUG TBD LIFE STAGES EVENT
NextUp Northwest Arkansas www.nextupisnow.org/regions/northwest-arkansas/
AUG TBD TEE OFF FORE TEACHERS
GOLF TOURNAMENT
Rogers Public Education Foundation www.rogerspef.com
AUG TBD PUTT FOR PAWS
Humane Society of the Ozarks www.hsozarks.org
AUG TBD A TOAST TO HEALTH WelcomeHealth www.welcomehealthnwa.org
AUG TBD SNEAKERS AT THE STADIUM
Girls on the Run Northwest Arkansas www.gotrnwa.org
Boys & Girls Club of Benton County Sip & Savor Stephanie Riffle, Tyler Lehr, Kim Yansen and Drew Collom
"HOUSE of " two wings
New nonprofit fighting food insecurity in Hispanic communities in Northwest Arkansas
Casa Dos Alas was created in spring 2024 by Susana and Juan Bahena, who are also owners of the restaurants Tula, Taqueria Lucha and Costa. Casa Dos Alas aims to fight food insecurity in Northwest Arkansas’ Hispanic communities through innovative partnerships that remove barriers and make access to food a celebration of community and culture.
Casa Dos Alas means “house of two wings,” Juan Bahena said. Juan grew up in Chicago and Susana was brought up in Mexico, and although they came from different backgrounds, their upbringings were similar, Susana noted. “When we were little, we never realized our family didn't have as much as other people did, but our parents never showed us that. They always did what they had to do,” she said. Susana added that Juan has told her stories about how his
Juan added that many of these community members in need don’t seek help because of lack of transportation, work schedules or not being able to communicate in their native language.
“We always say that we don't want to just bridge that gap, we want to celebrate our
culture.”
-Juan Bahena
The nonprofit aims to “meet people where they are” through pop-up farmers markets to bring nutritious food directly to Hispanic communities as part of a partnership with Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, community events that celebrate Hispanic culture, and educational workshops to teach families and children how to make healthy, good food with staple ingredients.
“Our vision for these farmers market-style events has always been to meet people where they are, offering culturally familiar fresh produce, meat and pantry items in a dignified, welcoming shopping experience — all completely free of charge,” Juan Bahena said.
In September 2024, the nonprofit held its first pop-up market outside Bayyari Elementary School in east Springdale. The organization provided over 500 pounds of free groceries to 370 people — nearly half of whom were children — across 72 households, Juan said.
“The impact was so immediate and profound that nearly every food item we brought was gone within an hour of opening. This overwhelming response underscores the critical need for our continued work in Northwest Arkansas,” he said.
Following the event, Casa Dos Alas announced a fundraising campaign to raise $500,000 by June 2025. This goal builds on the momentum achieved at Noche En Jalisco, a tequila tasting fundraiser held in June 2024 where donors gave $137,500 in support for the nonprofit’s mission. Casa Dos Alas plans for Noche En Jalisco to be an annual fundraising event, and this year’s will be held on June 28.
“As we look ahead, your continued support is crucial for expanding our reach and deepening our impact in NWA's Hispanic communities,” he said. “Together, we're making strides in combating food insecurity. Your support, no matter the size, brings us closer to our goal.”
For more information, visit www.casadosalas.com.
Susana and Juan Bahena
HUNGER
can be hard to recognize
BEN BLAKEMAN LEADING LADS
BEN BLAKEMAN
President, Blakeman’s Fine Jewelry
Ben Blakeman has worked at Blakeman's Fine Jewelry since 2010, and he became president of the company in 2019. He has been in Northwest Arkansas for 38 years and has lived in Fayetteville, Rogers and Downtown Bentonville. He attended many schools throughout the area and then graduated from the University of Arkansas with a bachelor's degree in Advertising & Public Relations. Ben also received a Graduate Gemologist diploma from Gemological Institute of America. Education:
B.A. Advertising & Public Relations, University of Arkansas Graduate Gemologist, Gemological Institute of America
When did you know what you wanted to do?
At 16, I got my start in retail, selling T-shirts at the Houndstooth Clothing Co. stand in the Northwest Arkansas Mall. While I didn’t know then that jewelry would become my future, I quickly discovered my passion for retail and the art of helping customers find exactly what suited them best. That experience sparked a love for connecting with people and providing them with something meaningful, which ultimately set the foundation for my journey in the jewelry industry.
Best part of your job:
Without a doubt, the most rewarding part of my job is witnessing the pure joy and excitement that unfolds when our team and clients come together to discover the perfect piece to celebrate life’s special moments. It’s a privilege to share in those moments and help create memories that last a lifetime.
If you won the lottery, what cause/organization would you support?
Impossible to name just one, but I would focus on children’s health care, children with special needs and adult mental health.
What do you do for fun? Any hobbies?
Golf and fly fishing
Biggest inspiration:
My amazing nieces. Watching them grow and thrive inspires me to be the best version of myself.
Who is your hero?
Don Blakeman, DB, as I call him.
What are you most excited for in 2025?
I’m beyond thrilled to welcome all our friends and family into the new year and into our beautifully renovated and expanded flagship store. It’s a dream come true to see this vision brought to life and to share it with the incredible community that has supported us every step of the way. On a personal note, I’m overjoyed to start this exciting chapter alongside my new fiancé as we make plans to spend forever together. It feels like the perfect time for fresh beginnings, love and celebration!
What are three things you can’t live without?
Chips and salsa, dog cuddles, and live music
CRYSTAL BRIDGES AND THE MOMENTARY: AN
ART-FULL INVESTMENT
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, a gem of the Northwest Arkansas community, welcomes all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Having welcomed more than 13 million visitors since opening in 2011 – including more than 60,000 K-12 students in 2024 alone – the museum actively collects, exhibits, interprets, and preserves outstanding artworks that share the unfolding story of America with guests in our region and from across the globe.
Nestled within a stunning 134-acre campus, Crystal Bridges boasts more than five miles of stunning outdoor trails bursting with sculpture and inspiring new discoveries at every turn. This year, the museum begins an all-new installation of the growing art collection. Visitors are invited to experience a fresh pathway for exploring the diverse range of American stories, its people, and its places.
The gallery transformation serves as a precursor to the 2026 debut of a newlyexpanded building, which will increase the footprint by 50 percent. The new addition means more art, more education opportunities, more event spaces, more dining options, and more connections to American art, the natural beauty of the Ozarks, creativity and community.
Celebrating five years in 2025, the Momentary – an extension of Crystal Bridges –opened in February 2020 in Downtown Bentonville. A venue for the music, art, and food of our time, the Momentary is a catalyst for creativity and economic vitality. It serves ‘a living room’ where community gathers to be inspired, connected, and joyful. Daily offerings include art in the galleries, the Momentary Shop, Onyx Coffee Lab, and the sky-high Tower Bar, with stunning views and extraordinary cocktails.
Among the venue’s most popular offerings are its unparalleled musical experiences. From large outdoor Live on the Green concerts to the indoor RØDE House Concert Series, and signature festivals like FreshGrass and Momentous, the Momentary is a music destination like none other.
Investing in Crystal Bridges and the Momentary in an investment in community. Both spaces regularly appear at the top of many lists, including among the World’s Top 100 Most Visited Art Museums (The Art Newspaper), Top 20 Best Art Museums to Visit (The Washington Post), Top 10 Best Free Museums to Visit (USA Today), Very Best Music Venue (Celebrate Arkansas), Best Lounge, Art, and Music (CitiScapes), and many more.
JOHN LANEY LEADING LADS
JOHN LANEY
Executive
Vice President, Food, Walmart
U.S.
John Laney has been with Walmart for over 15 years, serving in a variety of key leadership roles across merchandising and store space and design. He is currently executive vice president of the Walmart U.S. food division. He is responsible for the overall omni merchandising strategy and assortment for the company’s food business, including Fresh, Packaged Goods, Private Brands and Snacks, Beverages and Convenience. Active in the community, John works with several nonprofits. John and his wife Stephanie have eight children, including three adopted through foster care.
Education:
B.A. Organizational Management, John Brown University
When did you know what you wanted to do?
I have been a merchant for nearly 20 years. It was my first job with the company. I often tell people that merchandising chose me versus me choosing merchandising.
Best part of your job:
My team. I love being able to help our merchants find purpose in their work. Lowering prices and finding great items is the core of what we do, and there is a lot of purpose in that.
Quality you admire most in others:
I always tell my team “Say what you’re going to do AND do what you say.” I love to see other people take on hard things, “say what you’re going to do,” and then make a plan and follow through.
If you won the lottery, what cause/organization would you support?
The CALL in NWA and Children & Family Advocacy Center. My family of 10 has five biological kids and three adopted through foster care, and these organizations were instrumental.
What do you do for fun? Any hobbies?
I am a big outdoorsman. Anything outside makes me happy.
Thing you’re most proud of:
My family. I am very proud of who we are and what we represent.
What do you hope your kids learn from you?
Most importantly, I hope they learn to earn it! And be willing to make sacrifices along the way that humble you.
What is your favorite thing in your office?
I have an old Walmart toy truck that my dad gave me when I was 4 years old (he worked for Walmart). It’s beat up, banged up from years of play.
Would you consider yourself to be a routine person?
Very. With my big family and big job, I am one of the most routine people that most will ever know. I’m very structured in most everything in my life.
SEPTEMBER
SEP 1-30 HUNGER ACTION MONTH
NWA Food Bank www.nwafoodbank.org
SEP 3-4 GOLF TOURNAMENT & 19TH HOLE DINNER AUCTION
Sharing & Caring of Benton County www.sharingandcaringkids.com
SEP 4-5 NWA FINEST GOLF TOURNAMENT AND WINE OPENER
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation www.cff.org/Arkansas
SEP 6 VINTNER DINNER
Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter www.nwacs.org
SEP 6 WORST RACE EVER 5K
Run Bentonville www.runbentonville.com
SEP 11 HISTORICAL TASTINGS
Rogers Historical Museum Foundation www.rogershistoricalmuseumfoundation.org
SEP 11 ART ON THE BRICKS
Rogers Lowell Chamber www.rogerslowell.com
SEP 13 TOUR DE NWA CYCLING EVENT
Dress for Success Northwest Arkansas www.dfsnwa.org
SEP 13 FRESH START
Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter www.nwaws.org
SEP 13- GET IN THE GAME: SPORTS, ART, CULTURE
JAN 26, 2026
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art www.crystalbridges.org
SEP 14 INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
Botanical Garden of the Ozarks www.bgozarks.org
SEP 15-21 WALMART NW ARKANSAS CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTED BY P&G www.nwachampionship.com
SEP 24-27 DR. COMPTON NATIVE TREE & PLANT SALE
Peel Compton Foundation www.peelcompton.org
SEP 25 FALL GARDEN MARKET
Botanical Garden of the Ozarks www.bgozarks.org
NextUp Northwest Arkansas Women's Empowerment Summit
Regina Rozario, Erin Jernigan, Allison Van Matre and Gita Kazokaitis
treat every scalp with
Experience complete scalp care for healthy-looking hair made easy. Detangle, massage, and reduce buildup with Conair scalp care brushes.
OSAGE
LAURA POWERS PHOTO
©2024 Conair LLC *Conair is #1 in Hairbrushes
SEP 27 WALK FOR HEALTHY LIVING
Northwest Arkansas Chapter of The Links, Incorporated www.nwalinksinc.org
SEP 28 GIVE A MILE OR MORE FOR HOPE Hub of Hope www.hubofhope.org
SEP TBD WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT SUMMIT
NextUp Northwest Arkansas www.nextupisnow.org/regions/northwest-arkansas/
SEP TBD THE GOLF EVENT
The Jones Center www.thejonescenter.net
SEP TBD JEWELS OF GIVING
NWA Food Bank www.nwafoodbank.org
SEP TBD NWA COMMUNITY SHOWCASE
Rogers Lowell Chamber www.rogerslowell.com
Jené
SEP TBD THE BIG EVENT
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas www.bbbsnwa.org
SEP TBD KICKBALL FOR THE KIDS
Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter www.nwacs.org
SEP TBD WAITERS FOR WISHES
Make-A-Wish Mid-South www.wish.org/midsouth
SEP TBD CULTIVATING COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER
Cobblestone Farms www.cobblestonefarms.org
SEP TBD LATINXNA LATINA EMPOWERMENT PANEL
Serve2Perform www.serve2perform.com
SEP TBD PAGNOZZI PARKER CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT, ULTIMATE TAILGATE & AUCTION
Pagnozzi Parker Charities www.pagnozziparker.org
Rogers Historical Museum Foundation Historical Tastings
Huffman-Gilreath, Allison McElroy and Linda Phillips
NWA Food Bank Jewels of Giving Emi Cardarelli, Kent Eikenberry and Megan Crozier
OCTOBER
OCT 1-4 BIKES, BLUES & BBQ www.bikesbluesandbbq.org
OCT 2 IN IT TO END IT
Children & Family Advocacy Center www.cfacbentonco.com
OCT 4 COMMUNITY DINNER
Thaden School www.thadenschool.org
OCT 4 KISS A PIG GALA
American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org
OCT 4 HERE’S JOHNNY 10K
Peel Compton Foundation www.peelcompton.org
OCT 4-19 GOLFTOBERFEST
Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas www.spsfnwa.org
OCT 5 AUTUMN HARVEST
Botanical Garden of the Ozarks www.bgozarks.org
OCT 9 HALL OF HONOR
Fayetteville Public Education Foundation www.fayedfoundation.org
OCT 9 FANCY FOR FOSTER CARE
The CALL in NWA www.thecallinarkansas.org/nwa
OCT 9 ART ON THE BRICKS
Rogers Lowell Chamber www.rogerslowell.com
American Cancer Society Suits & Sneakers Gala
Chris Woolard, Catherine Tapp and John Calipari
OCT 10
EVENING AT THE FARM –CORPORATE NIGHT
Apple Seeds www.appleseedsnwa.org
OCT 10-12VINTAGE MARKET DAYS www.vintagemarketdays.com
OCT 11
EVENING AT THE FARM –COMMUNITY NIGHT
Apple Seeds www.appleseedsnwa.org
OCT 17 WINETOPIA
Restore Humanity www.restorehumanity.org
OCT 23 SIGNATURE CHEFS FEEDING
MOTHERHOOD
March of Dimes
www.signaturechefs.org/event/NWArkansas
OCT 25 GOBLIN RUN 5K
Run Bentonville www.runbentonville.com
OCT 25 BE(A)WARE HALLOWEEN EXTRAVAGANZA
Fayetteville Public Library Foundation www.beawarehalloween.com
OCT 25-26MONSTER MATCH
Peel Compton Foundation www.peelcompton.org
OCT 29 TIME TO WINE DOWN
Gather to Scatter www.instagram.com/gather2scatter
OCT TBD CHAMBER GOLF TOURNAMENT
Rogers Lowell Chamber www.rogerslowell.com
OCT TBD MOBIL 1 FALL CLASSIC
Boys & Girls Club of Benton County www.bgcbentoncounty.org
OCT TBD SUITS & SNEAKERS GALA
American Cancer Society www.suitsandsneakersar.com
OCT TBD BREAKTHROUGH T1D NWA WALK
Breakthrough T1D www.breakthrought1d.org
OCT TBD VOLUNTEER CONNECT
NextUp Northwest Arkansas www.nextupisnow.org/regions/northwest-arkansas/
OCT TBD BILL FLEEMAN GENTLEMEN OF DISTINCTION
Hope Cancer Resources www.hopecancerresources.org
OCT TBD MORE THAN PINK WALK
Susan G. Komen www.komen.org
OCT TBD HWOA ANNUAL CONFERENCE Hispanic Women’s Organization of Arkansas www.hwoa.org
OCT TBD UNBROKEN: ARTISTIC TRIUMPHS OF SURVIVORS
NWA Center for Sexual Assault www.nwasexualassault.org
OCT TBD COURAGE AWARDS LUNCHEON Peace at Home Family Shelter www.peaceathomeshelter.org
OCT TBD SPOOKTACULAR Havenwood www.nwahavenwood.org
OCT TBD LATINXNA EMPOWERMENT CONFERENCE Serve2Perform www.serve2perform.com
OCT TBD RLC SPORTING CLAYS CLASSIC Rogers Lowell Chamber www.rogerslowell.com
OCT TBD LIGHT THE NIGHT Leukemia & Lymphoma Society www.lls.org
Hope Cancer Resources Bill Fleeman Gentlemen of Distinction Todd and Melissa Fleeman
NOVEMBER
NOV 8 RISE CHALLENGE
Peel Compton Foundation www.peelcompton.org
NOV 8 LITTLE BLACK DRESS
Dress for Success Northwest Arkansas www.dfsnwa.org
NOV 8 CELEBRITY WAITER GALA
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and The Tea
Rose Foundation of Northwest Arkansas www.akapao.com
NOV 11 CANCER CHALLENGE TELETHON Cancer Challenge www.cancerchallenge.com
NOV 12 NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY DAY LUNCHEON
Association of Fundraising Professionals, Northwest Arkansas Chapter community.afpglobal.org/afparnorthwestchapter
NOV 13 ART ON THE BRICKS
Rogers Lowell Chamber www.rogerslowell.com
NOV 21-22 NWA BOUTIQUE SHOW www.nwaboutiqueshow.com
NOV 26 THANKS-FOR-GIVING BLOOD DRIVE
Community Blood Center of the Ozarks www.cbco.org
NOV 27 TURKEY TROT FOR HEROES
Sheep Dog Impact Assistance www.sheepdogia.org
NOV 28-30THE 1940’S RADIO HOUR
Arts One Presents www.artsonepresents.org
NOV TBDART SHOW
Sunshine School & Development Center www.nwasunshineschool.org
NOV TBDVOLUNTEER APPRECIATION
NextUp Northwest Arkansas www.nextupisnow.org/regions/northwest-arkansas/
NOV TBDTHANKSGIVING FALL FEST Havenwood www.nwahavenwood.org
NOV TBDLIGHT OF HOPE BREAKFAST AND LUNCHEON
CASA of Northwest Arkansas www.nwacasa.org
NOV TBDUPTOWN HOEDOWN
Saving Grace NWA www.savinggracenwa.org
NOV TBDGENTSGIVING JEM Charitable Giving Inc. www.instagram.com/gentsgiving_nwa
NOV TBDBIG NIGHT
The Jones Center www.thejonescenter.net
CASA of Northwest Arkansas Light of Hope Breakfast Nate Brown, Yasmine Abdel, Megan Gregg, Mike Klaas, Jamie Needham and Austin Heard
The third annual Gentsgiving: A Curated Bourbon Tasting with Dave Marrs, held on Nov. 14, 2024, raised approximately $100,000 to benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) and Hope For The Warriors.
The event was chaired by Emily Saffran, with her husband, Josh Saffran, serving as the evening's emcee. Together, the couple owns The Gents Place in Bentonville and founded JEM Charitable Giving, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization, in 2022.
“Josh and I have always been charitable people. Since The Gents Place opened, our efforts have continued to grow, prompting us to start a 501(c)(3),” Emily Saffran said. “We feel so lucky to live in this great community where we have the opportunity to give back. After working with Dave Marrs, we decided to collaborate and grow our charity initiatives.”
5:30PM | VIP 6:30PM | GENERAL ADMISSION
Sazerac, the company behind the highly sought-after Van Winkle bourbons, served as the event’s presenting sponsor. Roger Dumaine, a pancreatic cancer survivor and father of Lisa Bores from Sazerac, shared his inspiring story at Gentsgiving. Leslie Hunt and Kelly Sokalski, both representatives of Hope For The Warriors, also spoke about the impact of their nonprofit organization.
Each year, Gentsgiving supports Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, along with a nonprofit benefiting veterans. “Josh’s grandfather and aunt along with Lisa’s father all faced a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Lisa’s dad survived, Josh’s family did not,” Saffran shared. “Each year, we choose a different veteran’s charity to support, as we deeply appreciate the sacrifices made for our freedoms. Having both grown up in New York and living there during the 9/11 attacks, we selected Hope For The Warriors to help support their efforts in restoring a sense of self, family and hope for post-9/11 veterans, service members and military families from all branches of the military who served.”
Around 100 guests attended the 2024 Gentsgiving, held at a Little Flock-based barn owned by Melodie and Mike Hodges. The evening featured a delicious dinner and a bourbon tasting led by Master of Spirits Russ Kempton of Speaking of Grapes and Grains. The curated bourbon lineup included Old Rip Van Winkle 10 year, Eagle Rare 17, Blanton's Red Label, Sazerac Rye 18, Weller C.Y.P.B., Weller 12 Year, EH Taylor Straight Rye Barrel Proof, and Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream Floats.
A spirited live auction featured a variety of exciting items, including a Buffalo Trace barrel pick where guests could sign and stamp their own bottles, two custom entry tables crafted from pecan wood by Dave Marrs, two Clint Brannon custom-painted buffalo prints, premium bourbons, and a private tasting experience with Russ Kempton.
The fourth annual Gentsgiving will be in November 2025. For more details on Gentsgiving, visit www.instagram.com/gentsgiving_nwa/.
Josh and Emily Saffran
Josh and Emily Saffran, Matt and Karey Marrs, Dave and Jenny Marrs, Rob and Angie Nelson
Dalilah Donis and Ben Blakeman
Brett Booker, Jon Thorn, JS Bull and Eric Howerton
Ian McQuade, Joseph Hayes, Donna Lucas, Rob Nelson, Mike Davello, Jeff Wright, Kendra Bertalan and Michael Brewer
Mike and Melodie Hodges
David Harris with Jace Shirley
Brenda and Willie Godwin
Jason Eason, Tim Koch, Lisa Bores, Zac and Jenn Clark
Greg Cathey, Donny Hubbard, Ian McQuade, Michael Brewer, Dalilah Donis and Ben Blakeman
Jenny and Dave Marrs
Jim and Cory Corbett
Kelly Sokalski, Leslie Hunt, Megan M. Johnson and Emberli Edwards
Lisa Bores with her father Roger Dumaine
Andrew Moore, Chuck Morter and Dr. Ted Morter
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 year / Eagle Rare 17 Blanton’s Red Label / Sazarac Rye 18
DEC 4
DECEMBER
JINGLE MINGLE
Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest
Arkansas www.spsfnwa.org
DEC 5 CHRISTMAS AT THE PEEL MUSEUM
Peel Compton Foundation www.peelcompton.org
DEC 6 O’ NIGHT DIVINE CHARITY BALL
Mercy Health Foundation Northwest Arkansas www.mercyhealthfoundation.net/nwa
DEC 6
COOKIES WITH SANTA PAJAMA JAM
Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Northwest
Arkansas Chapter www.jackandjillinc.org
DEC 11 ART ON THE BRICKS
Rogers Lowell Chamber www.rogerslowell.com
DEC TBD BURLSWORTH TROPHY CEREMONY
Brandon Burlsworth Foundation www.burlsworthtrophy.com
DEC 6
FREEDOM FROSTY 5K
Run Bentonville www.runbentonville.com
DEC TBD COOKIES WITH SANTA Havenwood www.nwahavenwood.org
DEC TBD HOLIDAY MIXER
NextUp Northwest Arkansas www.nextupisnow.org/regions/northwest-arkansas/
DEC TBD TEDDY BEAR TEA
Arkansas Children’s Northwest www.archildrens.org
DEC TBD FESTIVAL OF STARS TOY AND DONATION DRIVE
Arkansas Children’s Northwest www.archildrens.org
DEC TBD VOLUNTEER CONNECT
NextUp Northwest Arkansas
www.nextupisnow.org/regions/northwest-arkansas/
Hachem-Roberts
KEPT TOGETHER AND CLOSE TO THE CARE THEY NEED
C A T C H
T H E N E X T A C
LACE UP YOUR SHOES AND LEASH UP YOUR PETS
This fun walk will take place during the month of April from the comfort of your own home. Take a walk with your pet anytime and anywhere you want to support hospice patients and the pets they love.
Cost: $40/person (Includes an event t-shirt and one pet bandana.)
Registration: Open through April 30th.
Creating joy and community through the magic of play.
This year, we reached 3.9 million children and adults through philanthropic efforts and we created countless moments of joy and connection through toys, games and play experiences.
Here’s to more magic moments in Northwest Arkansas and beyond in the year ahead.
Kindness. Community. Commitment. It’s a package deal.
Menasha Packaging supports organizations that help children and adults throughout Northwest Arkansas. We’ve been lending a hand to encourage acts of kindness in local communities for 175 years.