2021 3W Magazine

2021

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Founders LETTER FROM THE

We’ve never been so glad to celebrate the beginning of another 12 months as we are right now. This year marks lucky number 13, and like every small business owner – we’re grateful to still be here.

A virus has dismantled our entire world. Even with all the latest technology and 21st century luxuries – we’ve learned that no one can escape crisis. For a tiny business like ours, we have felt insurmountable stress; and along with countless other working moms, we are the ones who stay home and help teach and care for our kids when circumstances arise.

No matter your livelihood or economic situation, we all got a glimpse of the existential angst and panic of what it’s like not being able to provide for our families when the grocery store shelves were bare. There were no staple food items to be found. There was no toilet paper or sanitizer in sight. The sad reality is that’s what many families feel all the time. Can you imagine? Consumers were encouraged to keep panic buying and hoarding in check so as not to put our most vulnerable and food-insecure neighbors at even more risk.

That’s why in our 2021 issue we’re focusing on getting Back to Basics. When we’re in a time of crisis, we see each other’s humanity to the fullest. We take care of one another and put our busy lives on hold to prioritize our core needs: food, education and, of course, health care.

In this issue, we tell the stories of so many local business owners who did more than lend a helping hand, they laid their hearts on the line too. During the months in quarantine, several organizations had to completely revamp their fundraisers and seek financial support through virtual, rather than in-person, events. So while our magazine doesn’t look like it has in years past, we too, have found ways to pivot and focus on all the good. By continuing to support our local nonprofits, you’re creating lasting, positive change in our own communities. We’ve never worked so hard in all our years of publishing, and we’re grateful to still be standing, as we’ve painfully watched dozens of small businesses close. For everyone who has put their faith and trust in us and our product, thank you. We are moms. We are entrepreneurs.

We are resilient, strong women. But perhaps most notably, we are NWA Strong. And you, dear reader, are essential to us. Always.

Kasie & Leslie

Co-Founders Kasie Yokley & Leslie Zanoff

Managing Editor

Ashley Fitzsimmons

Get Social Contact Us

Creative Director Kayla Huebner

Photographer

Meredith Brown

Swiss Army Knife Jordan Holley

@3WMagazine

Cover Art

"Woman A Gaze" Oil & Acrylic 2019

by Allison Hobbs

3W Magazine | 1800 S. 52nd St., Ste. 301 | Rogers, AR 72758 | inspire@3wmagazine.com | www.3wmagazine.com

3W Magazine is published annually by High Heel Productions, LLC. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited without prior written consent from 3W Magazine© 2021. All rights reserved. We at 3W Magazine make every effort to ensure the accuracy of event information. However, you should always call ahead and confirm the date and time.

JANUARY

Recommitment Banquet | Northwest Arkansas MLK Council Fort Smith Mayor George McGill with Dr. John L Colbert

1/2020 to 7/2020 Free Tax Service Initiative United Way of Northwest Arkansas

www.unitedwaynwa.org/taxes

1/20 to 2/14 School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play TheatreSquared

14 to 24

www.theatre2.org

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Meteor Shower

Arkansas Public Theatre www.arkansaspublictheatre.org

Soup Sunday

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www.aradvocates.org

Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families

Recommitment Banquet Northwest Arkansas MLK Council www.nwamlk.org

mark your calendar

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Recommitment Banquet Northwest Arkansas MLK Council Clifton Harris and Alexis Broox Piggee

TRY THE EXCLUSIVE

BATH & BODY COLLECTION

Find more at Walmart.com/FindYourHappyPlace

©2021 Unilever WMT21033

FEBRUARY

Moonlight Masquerade | Junior League of NWA Brooke Willis, Katelyn Jost, Jennifer Heiges and Kimberly Short

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2/26 to 3/07

Junior League of Northwest Arkansas

Jackson L. Graves Foundation

Arkansas Public Theatre

Moonlight Masquerade

Ooh! La, la!

www.jacksongraves.org

www.juniorleaguenwa.org

The Clean House

www.arkansaspublictheatre.org

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Partners + Prevention Lunch

Courage Awards Virtual Event

Children’s Safety Center www.childrenssafetycenter.org

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Peace at Home Family Shelter www.peaceathomeshelter.org

“LOVE SHOULDN’T HURT” Drag Show

05 to 14

Buyer & Cellar

Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter

Arkansas Public Theatre www.arkansaspublictheatre.org

www.nwaws.org

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MARCH

Sharing & Pairing | Sharing & Caring of Benton County Jacqueline Torres, Ruth Wallin-Davis, Sofia Hargreaves, Alicia Bunn and Sarah Semrow

03 to 21

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My Father’s War

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Hogs for Hope Dance Marathon

TheatreSquared www.theatre2.org

Sharing & Pairing

Sharing & Caring of Benton County www.sharingandcaringkids.com

Hogs for Hope

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3/26 to 4/03

www.hogsforhope.com

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Hall of Honor

Fayetteville Public Education Foundation

Arkansas Miss Amazing Miss Amazing, Inc.

www.fayedfoundation.org

Straight White Men Arkansas Public Theatre www.arkansaspublictheatre.org

3/30 to 4/04

ar.missamazing.org

An Officer and a Gentleman Walton Arts Center www.waltonartscenter.org

mark your calendar

WHO WHAT WHERE

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Celebration Luncheon Life Styles, Inc.

www.lifestylesinc.org

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Janet’s Legacy Ride ALS Association www.als-arkansas.org

00

Country Club Retail

SLIME STUDIO

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5100 Pauline Whitaker Pkwy.

Rogers, AR 72758

For more information: 479-340-0999

LOCAL

doGOODers People all over Northwest Arkansas are coming together to do good during the pandemic.

We chatted with several locals about how they’re helping others. Here are their stories.

Lindsay Ramsey

Emily Rappe' Fisher, development director of Children's Safety Center, accepts snacks and coloring books donation for the center from Mike Klaas

Owner of Kindness & Joy Toys The heart of Kindness & Joy Toys from the beginning has been to serve the community. “We love to host birthday parties, have kiddos in our play area while parents spend time with one another, and to help our community find the perfect gifts to celebrate one another,” owner Lindsay Ramsey said. The store’s engagement with 99 Balloons and Potter’s House started through personal relationships with people in these organizations. Kindness & Joy Toys has surprise deliveries for purchase that are personalized for the families receiving them. “We hope through our surprise deliveries that families in our community will feel loved and experience true joy! We’ve loved seeing pictures of kiddos as they find surprise toys on their doorstep that have been picked especially for them,” Ramsey added. “Through this service, we have seen families feel celebrated and connected, and we are so thankful!”

Giving is Living

Owner of Leverett Lounge and Maxine's Tap Room

Giving is Living (GIL) is an idea Mike Klaas thought about for a while, noting the name was inspired by a Tony Robbins podcast about how energizing it is to give back to others. The concept is simple – create a crowdfunded donation

“When we closed our places in mid-March, we had a walk-in cooler full of food and two staffs that we started feeding,” Hannah Withers said. “When we saw what was starting to happen with lagging unemployment benefits and food insecurity in our industry, we reached out and asked the community to sponsor meals for restaurant people.” Twice a week, 150 dinners a night, became their normal COVID-19 schedule, delivering to cars in the Leverett Lounge parking lot at 6 p.m. For four months, they were able to check in with people in their restaurant community and give them grocery baskets, a dignified meal and mental health check-in. The initiative was called Feed the Heard. “‘Heard’ is a common one-word

we saw what was happening as our industry quickly imploded.”

Maxine’s Tap Room and Leverett Lounge both reopened in August.

During the closure, more than 4,000 meals were given out and the community donated over $25,000.

Hannah Withers

14

Mike Klaas

response we use during restaurant service to say ‘I heard you.’ ‘Table 1 needs water refills.’ ‘Heard.’” She added that there’s a joke that what you call a group of chefs is “a heard.”

“It was a play on words for industry people, but also a way for us to say we see them. And

page, go out and do good in the community, and then share back via social media where the money is going. People can keep up with activities on a daily basis, learn about different local organizations, and provide input on where the dollars go. It all came to fruition when COVID-19 hit. “We’ve raised over $18,000 from 250 donors, received thousands of dollars of food, beverages and medical donations and given back to thousands in the Northwest Arkansas community,” Klaas said. “I’ve been absolutely blown away by the support, the number of amazing people we’ve been able to meet and help, and incredibly thankful that donations keep coming in.” Examples of the giving include snacks and drinks for the COVID-19 unit workers at Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas, Walmart gift cards to hospitality workers and to people going to the Rogers Unemployment Office, lunch for church volunteers providing free daycare for hospital workers, cards and treats for all residents at a local retirement home, and household items and groceries for transitional housing and homes servicing women and children. To donate, visit www.GoFundMe.com and search for “Arkansas Giving Is Living.”

Grant Cook & Nick Brewer Food Challenge Fundraisers The whole idea for a food challenge fundraiser started with a viral picture of a McDonald's feast, that Nick Brewer tried to complete. During the time leading up to Nick’s attempt, Grant Cook talked with him about doing a competition. Although it didn’t work out for that challenge, they quickly started brainstorming the best options for helping the community.

Cook and Brewer decided to compete against one another on Instagram Live consuming food made by local restaurants, giving each restaurant the spotlight as they consumed mass amounts of food. “The idea was to raise awareness that a multitude of businesses were struggling and needed the community’s help,” Cook said. They ended up raising more than $55,000 through three events. “We took the money donated before, during and after our challenges and gave it to the organizations that were providing aid, restaurants and directly to the service industry workers.”

Nick Brewer, left, and Grant Cook compete in food challenge fundraiser

Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food In late March 2020, Brightwater was contacted by Ropeswing Hospitality Group CEO Kurt Berman and asked to join forces with Ropeswing, Tyson Foods and local farms to provide healthy meals to medical teams at hospitals across Northwest Arkansas. The goal of the meal initiative was to take care of health care workers and their families while supporting local business by buying produce, bread and packaging from locally

Marshall J. Shafkowitz

Chef Vince Pianalto

owned and operated companies.

Brightwater employees, including executive director Marshall J. Shafkowitz and instructor Vince Pianalto, volunteered their time to make meals from proteins donated

by Tyson, as well as produce and seasonings donated by Tankersley Foodservice, among others. To sustain the initiative, Brightwater worked with the NWACC Foundation to create the NWA Medical Meals Fund, where community members could support the effort with monetary donations. Eventually, Ropeswing began reopening its restaurants and Brightwater took on the preparation of all the meals.

From March 31 to June 13, there were over 39,000 meals prepared.

Kimberly Porter

Owners of Purple Banana Food Truck and Catering

Rod and Sandy Gray

Sandy and Rod Gray saw families struggling and wanted to do something to serve their needs.

They partnered with SOCO Church and the Compassion Center of Northwest Arkansas to start feeding families every Tuesday. They feed about 800 people each week.

Anyone is welcome to come to 901 SW A St. in Bentonville to drive thru for a safe take-home meal that feeds four. SOCO Church set up a place for people to make monetary donations to help keep this program going while the Compassion Center graciously donates the protein each week. And of course, the Purple Banana cooks up every meal. “We love our community. It hurts us to see our beautiful community suffer and struggle,” she said. “That is why we do this. And we will continue to feed our beloved community until the need is no longer.”

Nate Walls

Executive Director of CARE Community Center in Rogers In response to the pandemic, CARE Community Center had the opportunity to stretch its boundaries and rise to meet the unprecedented needs of those most vulnerable in the community. “Collaboration was essential and through strategic partnerships, we transitioned quickly to provide food through a no-contact pantry network,” Kimberly Porter said. CARE had the resources that allowed the center to provide food to IDK Café and Meme’s Caribbean Flavour, who worked diligently to prepare heat-and-eat meals. These meals provided vital nutrition for those

Sandy & Rod Gray

Wendy Conrad, Kimberly Porter and Edith Garland

without the access to the congregate meals on which they depend.

During this time, CARE distributed an additional 260,000 pounds of food outside of its regular pantry services. In addition, CARE was also able to maintain VITA Free Tax services and create a safe, efficient environment for taxpayers and volunteers. CARE has prepared over 5,000 Federal and State tax returns for this filing season. For more details on CARE Community Center, visit www.carecc.org.

Owner of Secondhand Smoke BBQ in Fayetteville & Founder of Second Helping NWA At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in mid-March, Nate Walls saw a need to possibly help in the community. He took $300 that Nate Walls he'd saved, prepared some meals (photo courtesy of Caitlin Trickett) and delivered them to a few local low-income complexes. “Starting off it was kind of awkward and uncomfortable, given the situation, but through canvassing and getting acquainted with residents, they started to trust me enough to accept the food,” he said. From the first couple of drops, word got around and people began to contribute funds toward these community feeds. People from all walks of life reached out, donated money and nonperishable items, and wished Walls well on this sharing journey. “The goal was to take whatever we had in the pantry and the kitchen and last resort in our pockets ... and feed.”

3WMagazine.com

15

Shurla Jobe

Robin Wallis Atkinson

Owner of Meme’s Caribbean Flavour in Rogers

Chief Executive Officer of Arkansas Arts & Fashion Forum

The grand opening of Meme’s Caribbean Flavour on March 14, 2020, had to be rescheduled until further notice due to the COVID-19 outbreak and everything shutting down. Shurla Jobe felt helpless thinking she didn't have many resources to help that first week since she had depleted most of her resources opening the restaurant, but she started making 250-300 hot meals and delivering them to help the NWA Givers for their lunch pickup at Oak & 13th streets in Rogers. “I would use whatever I could cook and praise God, I got the hookup with Justin (Eaton) at IDK? Café and Kim (Porter) at CARE Community Center in Rogers.” Eventually, Jobe’s church came on board, and she started providing dinner every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from the restaurant. There was a contactless drive thru and delivery to people who couldn't pick up. “For a month, I'd make 300 hot meals for lunch on Wednesday with the NWA Givers and 300+ for dinner three times a week. My restaurant turned into a mini distribution center for a few months.” In between those days, Jobe cooked for a smaller number of people – an unemployment office, fire stations in the area, different nonprofit homes, nurses at Washington Regional Medical Center and police stations. Most of the volunteers stopped coming after June, but she felt the need to continue and each Tuesday at lunch, she made 100 meals for 7hills Homeless Center in Fayetteville and 40 or so for the restaurant drive thru. She said she will continue to serve 7hills as long as it’s needed. For more details on Meme’s Caribbean Flavour, visit www.facebook.com/memescaribbeanflavour.

Cody & Mike Duley The Duley Group, Keller Williams Market Pro Realty In early 2020, COVID-19 brought life to a screeching halt. That’s precisely when The Duley Group sprang into action. As the number one Keller Williams real estate team in Arkansas, The Duley Group is known for being actively involved in the community. Led

by CEO Mike Duley, the team partnered with area designers and printers to create “NWA Strong” T-shirts. Proceeds from the sales of the shirts went to local food banks at a time when the need was greater than ever. But the team didn’t stop there.

To show their appreciation for first responders, the team also delivered food to health care workers on the frontline at Mercy Hospital 16

On March 20, 2020, Arkansas Arts & Fashion Forum began collecting homemade cotton masks made by over 110 local volunteers. As the need for masks continued to rise, AAFF received financial support from the Tyson Family Foundation, Walmart Foundation and Arkansas Community Foundation to hire 20 local sewists to make masks out

of its downtown Springdale office.

Additional support for the Mask Makers Challenge came from the Urban Manufacturing Alliance, Michaels Stores, Joel Gordon, Ray Taylor & NorthWest Arkansas Community College, 1836 Ink, and Washarama. As of September 2020, AAFF donated over 10,000 masks to 68 hospitals, clinics, nonprofits and essential businesses. The organization reached over 20,000 individuals virtually via its #GetYourMaskOn campaign. AAFF was proud to be able to provide 2,200 masks to the Northwest Arkansas branch of the NAACP, which were distributed to 16 Northwest Arkansas school districts.

Arkansas Arts & Fashion Forum will continue accepting donations at their office located at 214 S. Main St., Springdale, AR 72764. Please contact Rachel Woody-Pumford, Director of Programming, at rachel@arkansasfashion.org for mask donation drop-off times.

Jerusha “Roo” Winchester Creator of NWA Givers and Roo’s World

NWA Givers happened when school shut down due to COVID-19. Roo Winchester’s wife, Michelle Wright, is the assistant principal at Westside Elementary School in Rogers, and Wright expressed to her she was worried the kids that only get to eat at school would go hungry. Winchester said they should do something about it and the next morning started calling businesses and restaurants for meal donations. She first started by asking for $250 a day and ended up receiving $600+ a day. Winchester and Wright handed out meals at their church, First Justin Eaton, Owner of IDK? Café + Catering Christian Church in Rogers, from March 20 to August, and they also had about four delivery teams that would deliver meals daily to people who couldn’t make it to the pick-up site. “Our biggest donor was Justin Eaton with IDK? Cafe + Catering! He typically donated 1,800 meals a week and even got 40,000 pounds of chicken donated to hand out to those in need,” Wincheser said. Other restaurants that helped were Cody and Mike Duley Marco’s Pizza, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Simply Done, Bariola’s Pizza, Acapulco Restaurant, Jiffy Kwick, Meme’s Caribbean Flavour and Beaver Lake Bistro.

Northwest Arkansas. Giving back “It does take a village! We had many volunteers helping us hand out meals to the community is one of the defining characteristics of the team and deliver meals. We were strictly volunteers and used our own resources to help others,” she said. “We wanted to help the community and make a and is also what sets them apart difference.” During the pandemic, Winchester also created Roo’s World, from other REALTORS. Their a nonprofit school age childcare center. “Opening during a pandemic is philosophy is simple: When we crazy I know, but there is a need in the community for affordable school serve others and invest back into age childcare right now. Life is about helping each other, ALWAYS!” the community, everybody wins.

Bernice & Bryan Hembree Co-founders of the Fayetteville Roots Festival

Bernice and Bryan Hembree

In answer to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bernice and Bryan Hembree, along with their co-founding partner of the Fayette-

Doug Allen Owner of Jose’s Bar & Grill in Springdale The day Doug Allen heard that inside dining at restaurants had to be shut down, he thought Jose’s was finished. After closing the dining room, he went to bed dejected, wondering what he and his employees were going to do.

Grocery stores were out of items like toilet paper, bread, meat, beans, rice, bacon, chicken and other hard to find items, but Allen had access to all these groceries from his food vendor. He quickly pivoted and started selling grocery items with great success, providing a safe and easy way to get much-needed food for the community. As the grocery store supply chain finally caught up, Allen pivoted again to sell PPE items, such as sanitizer, gloves, masks and cleaning supplies. “We heard stories about people losing their jobs and failing to feed their families. Food was not a problem for us, so we put grocery packages together for needy families. Some

ville Roots Festival and Wood Stone Pizza co-owner Jerrmy Gawthrop, made the difficult decision to cancel Roots HQ concerts and postpone the 11th annual Fayetteville Roots Festival. In a momentous pivot in Spring 2020, the team began serving the musician community in a new way when they launched the Roots Meals for Musicians Program. Over $93,250 of meal support has been provided to local musicians through this nonprofit program, along with the support of donations and grants from individual donors and members of the music, business, culinary, and nonprofit community. More than 130 unique musician households who have invariably lost gigs and are struggling to make ends meet have been met with nourishment and kindness with the Roots Meal Care packages. To date, Roots has distributed over 18,650 servings via 1,495 meal care packages. On a weekly basis, each care package represents about $40-$60 that a musician doesn’t have to spend on groceries, stretching their savings during this uncertain time.

Doug Allen with Berkley and Henley Little

vendors heard what we were doing and donated a trailer full of ice cream, a trailer full of milk and even a trailer of watermelons. We gladly set these up at Jose’s parking lot and gave it all away.” Allen is still taking care of his Jose’s customers with “to go” and seated restaurant dining. He noted that Jose’s never shut down and managed to keep its people employed. “Our industry is still in dire straits, but we know that if you embrace your community it will embrace you back. We are putting our faith in people. People before profits.”

Stu’s Clean Cookin’ Supporter of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkoma COVID-19 changed the Stephanie Lyles, Clean Cookin' store operations manager, prepares meals way the world operated, with owner Stuart Rowland and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkoma programs were no different. “We had to get creative with how we offered support to our families while maintaining a safe distance. A family’s need to stay in the hospital and limit travel inspired us to implement a hospitality cart to deliver meals, snacks, beverages and toiletry items to the NICU daily,” said Niesha Smith, volunteer manager and community outreach for RMHC of Arkoma.

Between the months of April and June 2020, RMHC of Arkoma delivered 1,745 meals to families in the NICU and Pediatric department. This was a 41 percent increase of the number of meals that the nonprofit delivered in previous months. “When we shared information about our hospitality cart with our community, we received so much local support. One supporter was Stu’s Clean Cookin’. We started our partnership in 2019 at the Fort Smith Family Room, and as their locations grew so did their commitment to help us serve our families,” Smith said. “Now with six operating locations, they are a monthly sponsor of meals so that families can keep their minds on their children without having to worry about getting a good, clean meal.”

Nick Morgan Franchise Owner of Jersey Mike's Subs and Marco's Pizza When the pandemic first began to gain momentum and talk of shutting down schools was circling, Nick Morgan realized that a tremendous number of students in our community would go without food should closures occur. Morgan owns the Jersey Mike's Subs locations in Bentonville and Rogers and the Marco's Pizza locations in Bentonville, Fayetteville and Springdale. “On March 12, a day before school closures were announced, I made a Facebook post stating that we would provide free meals to anyone that was affected by the closures; students and parents alike,” he said. “The post exploded overnight, being shared over 12,000 times.” Immediately, the community poured into the shops to help keep their efforts going. In all, $40,000 in food and monetary donations were given, which resulted in over 12,000 individual meals being donated and distributed across Northwest Arkansas between March 13 and June 1, 2020. “About $13,000 was provided through community and vendor donations, with the remainder being provided directly by us,” Morgan said. “We are proud to have been able to serve so many people. We love being part of the community and will continue to do everything we can to insure no one goes hungry now or in the future.”

3WMagazine.com

17

J O N E S B O R O, A R A N H E U S E R- B U S C H R I C E F I E L D S

WO R K I N G TO G E T H E R .

When we come together for a common goal, we can achieve uncommon results.

We at Anheuser-Busch are proud to work with the Northwest Arkansas community to create a Better World.

®

®

®

You Can

Sit With Us There’s room at the table and you can sit with us. Now more than ever it’s obvious women are strong and capable of great leadership.

This is something Mercy Northwest Arkansas knows and has valued since the beginning. In fact, Mercy was founded by a strong, female leader: Catherine McAuley.

In 1827, Catherine opened the first House of Mercy in Dublin, intending to teach skills to poor women and educate children. A few years later, she founded the Sisters of Mercy, the first religious order not bound to the rules of the cloister, whose Sisters were free to walk among the poor and visit them in their homes. By the time Catherine died in 1841, there were convents in Ireland and England, and in 1843, the Sisters of Mercy came to the United States.

In 1871, they traveled to St. Louis and from there throughout the Midwest, beginning what would today be known as Mercy.

Today, Mercy Northwest Arkansas continues to grow with the help of many female leaders who serve on both the hospital board of directors as well as the foundation board. Their dedication to service is contagious, in the best way possible.

3WMagazine.com

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“I am involved with the Foundation

natural fit

PASSIONATE about developing

AMY CALLAHAN

KAREN PARKER

PAT CURRAN

Board because it is a for me to serve in a strategic capacity. I am

HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES.”

“I learned about Mercy when I worked in the Walmart Foundation. When I retired I knew I

would like to volunteer. One thing I have valued greatly in Mercy’s mission is that

all people receive care NO MATTER

THEIR FINANCIAL SITUATION. ALL ARE WELCOME.” Karen Parker

female leaders SERVE

proud

“I’m that Mercy has brought to at both the Community Board and Executive Administration levels, but it’s equally important that we bring VOICES

OF all WALKS OF LIFE so that we can gain a BETTER

UNDERSTANDING of the people we are trying to help.” Amy Callahan

“SERVICE is an important part of our COMMUNITY. I have been deliberate about

focusing on matters that specifically and directly

impact women and/or children. Being on the Foundation Board gives

LATRIECE WATKINS

OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE but to influence + inspire, & I love that.” Latriece Watkins

me not only the

“I was drawn to the mission of the Foundation:

new

LORIANE PICKELL

to find and INNOVATIVE ways to deliver the best possible health care through

DAWN SPRAGG

increasing advocacy of Mercy’s

vision and expanding and enhancing health care in Northwest Arkansas.”

“I believe

Loriane Pickell

QUALITY physical &

emotional health care is critical to a

GROWING COMMUNITY. Mercy is an important

provider of

superior care for the people in our community and I am grateful to serve with people who are PASSIONATE about

access of care for all.” Dawn Spragg

DR. SONAL BHAKTA 20

Pat Curran

“I am blessed to serve as the Vice President of Medical Affairs at Mercy. It’s important that women share in key LEADERSHIP roles, as women tend to possess skill sets that are

key for providing the best

patient care.” Dr. Sonal Bhakta

where my husband had open-heart surgery. I was so

impressed with the compassion, professionalism

& KINDNESS of the staff, I made the decision to volunteer at the hospital.”

Christy Blackshear

“I’m involved with Mercy Health Foundation

because I believe in its mission, vision & values.

DIGNITY, excellence, justice, SERVICE,

STEWARDSHIP – all are values that I’m honored to get behind and stand for.” Shelley Simpson

“Diversity of thought is critical in ensuring we see ALL sides &

viewpoints to make the best possible decisions and this is true in health care.

My hope is that YOUNG

FEMALES see they can have a strong

and make an IMPACT in THEIR

voice

COMMUNITY.” Heather Shell

“My involvement in Mercy Health Foundation gives me the opportunity to be

actively engaged with an organization whose main MISSION is to MINISTER TO

& CARE for those in my local community. Regardless of age, ethnicity or religious beliefs, Mercy

champion

SUSAN PEACOCK

for ourselves, our loved ones and our community.

I serve in a leadership position at Mercy to help

ENSURE ACCESS to high-quality care and improved health for all children & families in Northwest Arkansas.”

Susan Peacock

“I’m involved with Mercy Health Foundation because I’ve seen the

DIFFERENCE

high-quality health care has made in

my family’s life. I want to make sure EVERYONE

in Northwest Arkansas has access to that same

level of care because it’s foundational to building a

I believe in quality, ACCESS and

COMMUNITY. Mercy encompasses all of

those while standing true in their faith

&

mission. I’m honored to inspire and serve

and walk alongside them daily.” Kasie

Yokley

Holt

KASIE YOKLEY

strong, HEALTHY COMMUNITY.” Chandra

CHANDRA HOLT

POWERFUL things we can do as women is to be health advocates

“One of the most

HEATHER SHELL

of health care for all. I truly believe this is a great opportunity to give back to the is a community that has always been good to me on a personal and professional level.” Serena Smith

SERENA SMITH

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE at Mercy Hospital

CHRISTY BLACKSHEAR

SHELLEY SIMPSON

“My involvement with Mercy began because of a

Not pictured: Sister Lisa Atkins, Sister Richard Mary Burke, Sister Barbara Grant, Kelli Huntley, Karen Roberts and Mary Zettle.

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Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall...

Mercy Health Foundation needs your support all year long!

Area of Greatest Need

Surgery: Robotics and Orthopedics

Provides unrestricted resources to assist with building/construction, technology, medicine, education, assistance for the poor and much more.

Allows for the addition of two robotic surgery systems and for the recruitment of additional surgeons to help meet demand for high quality surgical services in Northwest Arkansas.

Cardiology

Urology

Serves more than 15,000 patients each year, with life-saving diagnostics and treatment for heart and vascular diseases.

Provides a new surgical laser for the noninvasive treatment of certain prostate diseases and kidney stones, allowing patients to recover more quickly with fewer complications.

Pharmacy Residency Program

Women’s & Children’s

Prepares graduate students for pharmacy careers and helps ensure there are enough skilled pharmacists in Northwest Arkansas to meet our community's health needs.

Adds low intervention birthing suites, more c-section suites and transport incubators for our most fragile patients. Provides advanced care and support for area women and children.

To make a gift online, visit mercyhealthfoundation.net/NWA

For more information contact nwa_mercy_foundation@mercy.net or 479.338.2990

22

APRIL Virtual Red Shoe Soirée | RMHC of Arkoma Stephanie Medford, Leah Jones, Savannah Fusco, Erin Farrah, Brittnee Harmon, Allison Davis and Lindsay Dixon

01 to 30

13 to 18

16 to 25

Children’s Safety Center

Walton Arts Center

Arkansas Public Theatre

Pinwheels for Prevention www.childrenssafetycenter.org

02

Cherishing Children Pinwheel Rally

Fiddler on the Roof www.waltonartscenter.org

17

TheatreSquared

American Heart Association

Designing Women www.theatre2.org

08

Youth of the Year

NWA Gives www.nwagives.org

09 to 11

www.nwaheartwalk.org

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Boys & Girls Club of Benton County

Rogers Public Education Foundation

Wall of Distinction Banquet www.rogerspef.com

www.bgcbentoncounty.org

mark your calendar

Out-of-the-Box Luncheon www.gotrnwa.org

NWA Heart Walk

16

09

Girls on the Run of Northwest Arkansas

www.arkansaspublictheatre.org

4/14 to 5/09

Children’s Advocacy Center of Benton County www.cacbentonco.com

The Waverly Gallery

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Half Marathon www.runbentonville.com

WHO WHAT WHERE

Vintage Market Days

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tbd

2019 Plant a Seed Soirée | NWACC Foundation Amy and Brent Robinson

A FUNdraiser FORE Kids Like No Other

First Tee - Northwest Arkansas www.firstteenorthwestarkansas.org

tbd

ALS Poker Tournament ALS Association www.als-arkansas.org

tbd

Panther Gala

St. Joseph Catholic School www.sjfay.com

tbd 22

4/28 to 6/13

Saving Grace

TheatreSquared

Butterflies & Blooms www.savinggracenwa.org

22 to 24

The Big Weekend

Fayetteville Junior Civic League www.fayettevillejcl.com

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Red Shoe Soirée

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkoma www.nwaredshoesoiree.com

23

Cherishing Children Glow Run

Children’s Advocacy Center of Benton County www.cacbentonco.com

23

EAT (Engage And Taste) at Brightwater Sharing & Caring of Benton County

www.sharingandcaringkids.com

30

Northwest Arkansas Heart Ball

American Heart Association nwaheartball.heart.org

tbd

Power of Inclusion Sunshine School & Development Center www.nwasunshineschool.org

www.nwaccfoundation.org

Pagnozzi Parker Charities

UnGala

Scott Family Amazeum www.amazeum.org

24 to 25

Hogeye Marathon & Relays www.hogeyemarathon.com

www.svdpschool.net

30

tbd

24

St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School

www.theatre2.org

Plant a Seed Soirée NWACC Foundation

24

At the Wedding

A Knight To Remember

Big Bass Tournament www.pagnozziparker.org

tbd

Haute Trash Couture Fashion Show

Elizabeth Richardson Center www.ercinc.org

Virtual Red Shoe Soirée RMHC of Arkoma Brian Blackman with daughters Emsley and Ellery

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MAY

01

Heather Ridley-Fleeman Battle for Hope Hope Cancer Resources www.heathersraceforhope.com

01

Dogwood Walk

Humane Society of the Ozarks www.hsozarks.org

01

10th Anniversary Celebration Sheep Dog Impact Assistance www.sheepdogia.org

Sassafras Sunset Virtual Stroll | The Jones Center Cheryl and Gene Long (front from left), Kelly Kemp-McLintock, Jessica Keahey and Randi Cruz with Drew Gorton (back from left), Derek Kilpatrick, Miranda Jacky, James King and John George

01

Spring Demolition Derby

(Photo courtesty of The Jones Center)

Rodeo of the Ozarks

08

www.rodeooftheozarks.org

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Kendrick Fincher 5K and Youth Run

Mercy Golf Classic

Walk for Wishes NWA Make-A-Wish Mid-South

Kendrick Fincher Hydration for Life

Mercy Health Foundation Northwest Arkansas

www.kendrickfincher.org

11 to 16

www.mercyhealthfoundation.net/nwa

07

The Jones Center

www.thejonescenter.net

Walton Arts Center

tbd

www.waltonartscenter.org

Bailey & Oliver’s Kids Foundation

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www.baileyoliverlawfirm.com

07 to 16

NWA Go Red for Women American Heart Association

Hillary and Clinton

nwagored.heart.org

Arkansas Public Theatre www.arkansaspublictheatre.org

MON

WHO WHAT WHERE

Olivia’s Basket

www.oliviasbasket.org

tbd

Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter www.nwaws.org

TUE

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Eat Build Love

Purple Party

mark your calendar SUN

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Sassafras Wine Stroll

Come From Away

Bonanza

www.walkforwishesnwa.org

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Touch-a-Truck

Junior League of Northwest Arkansas www.juniorleaguenwa.org

tbd

Pass Over

TheatreSquared www.theatre2.org

tbd

Corporate Sponsor Breakfast ALS Association www.als-arkansas.org

BIG NIGHT GALA

Jon and Joanie Dyer, Cathy and U.S. Sen. John Boozman, and Susan and Gov. Asa Hutchinson

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS!

The Jones Center hosted its Biggest Big Night Gala Celebrating 25 Years on Friday, Nov. 6, 2020.

Event co-chairs Jason Nichol of Tyson Foods and Laura Rush of Walmart welcomed nearly 200 guests who enjoyed a sit-down dinner, well-spaced throughout the Center. Masks were required during the gala. Collaborative partners included Bates Events, LightWorks and Ozark Film & Video. The Tyson Foods Global Chef Team created a beautiful menu that featured a wood-grilled ribeye steak. A new addition this year included table-side bar-cart service featuring select beverages.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson

3.

Ian McQuade and Laura Rush with Jason and Michelle Nichol

7.

Carol and Ed Clifford

Springdale Mayor Doug and Sandy Sprouse with Tina and Mike Bare

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and First Lady Susan attended the evening’s festivities and the Governor made special remarks about the regional impact of the Center.

Jim and Holly Breach, Celia Swanson, Kyndall Swanson, Jeff Webster and Rachel Kimbro

Tyson Foods served as the Signature Sponsor. Walmart | Sam’s Club, Unilever and General Mills served as Presenting Sponsors.

A special one-hour program was produced that could be viewed virtually by close friends and supporters of The Jones Center. The Big Night Gala raised $350,000 to benefit annual operations of the Center. This year’s Paddle Raise will go toward updates to the Center’s indoor gymnasium. In early 2021, updates will include refinishing of the hardwood flooring, a new scoreboard and a ninja obstacle course for children’s programming.

The evening also included a special announcement made by the Walton Family Foundation. The Jones Trust was recently awarded a Design Excellence Grant that will re-imagine the Jones 52-acre Springdale campus. There are a number of community events planned over the next few months to gather the public’s input on the creation of the campus masterplan.

Ben and Kelly McLintock

Drew Wise with Curt Stamp

Amber and Evan Stewart, Mike and Shannon Price, Kara Reinbolt, and Kenneth Medlin

Michael and Vicki Pearson

Heather Chilson and Archie Schaffer III

Tareneh Manning, John and Mary George with Jill Dabbs and Janet and Rick Harris Tara Ricardo

Save the Date for the 2021 Big Night Gala on Friday, Nov. 5.

For more details, visit www.thejonescenter.net.

Zac and Emily Hook, Mary and Tim Lewallen, and Alesha and Corbin Stam

Alicia and Lance Taylor

Masks were removed for picture-taking purposes only | Photos courtesy of Novo Studios and The Jones Center

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saatchix.com

Dia de los

Muertos

Celebracion 2020

Springdale Community Comes Together to Resurrect Day of the Dead 2020 is a year that a pandemic ravaged the world taking lives, livelihoods and severing human connections. Our everyday lives became isolated and nothing social was normal anymore. All events came to a screeching halt, killing nonprofit organizations and businesses across the globe. COVID-19 had many ways to take life, but the NWA local community has a strong spirit and was determined to stave off death to save one of our region’s most culturally significant events that, somewhat ironically, honors loved ones that death has already taken.

Araceli Lopez, executive director of the Latin Arts Organization of Arkansas, has been an artistic and logistical force for the past four years making this cultural event an annual tradition in downtown Springdale. They have partnered with the Arts Center of the Ozarks to grow the event into a week-long project that includes school field trips and culminates in a day of festivities and performance on the last day. The event has become the standard as other Day of the Dead celebrations across the region use it, or its components, as the model.

Like all artistic organizations across the nation, the Arts Center of the Ozarks was shuttered by COVID-19 restrictions, hence all programming, and all grants and sponsorships for 2020 programming, were wiped out including for the annual Day of the Dead celebration that transformed the center and the streets of downtown Springdale each year.

At the eleventh hour, some outdoor restrictions on gatherings lifted, so Araceli decided to reach out to Downtown Springdale to see if a revised 2020 Day of the Dead Celebration could be held outdoors. The “can do” attitude of the people in this region has proven to make magic. So with only a little over a month to plan, fund and execute the event, Araceli Lopez, Silvia Merino, Luis Lopez, Jill Dabbs, Jennifer Joyner, Erin West, Bryan Gott and Tareneh Manning joined their organizations together, got to work, reached out to the wider community and made it happen!

On Nov. 7, 2020, thanks to the community mindedness of the Latin Arts Organization of Arkansas, Downtown Springdale and the Arts Center of the Ozarks, Shiloh Square and Turnbow Park came to life with traditional dancing, music and colorful altars for a special Day of the Dead Celebration. Local businesses pitched in to sponsor and help too. Food trucks, including Brightwater’s truck with Chefs Case Dighero and Steven Brooks, were thrilled to be engaged with the community in what used to be an almost daily activity for them in the bustling regional events ecosystem. Most notable, though, was the willingness and quick action on the part of the Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation and the Tyson Family Foundation that made it possible to hire performers, support people like makeup artists, purchase crafting supplies and rent equipment from local vendors.

Even though their annual budget was already allotted, the new Creative Arkansas Community Hub & Exchange (CACHE) understood the deep cultural significance to the community and made a way to sponsor and support the 2020 celebration.

Photos by Meredith Mashburn

This day-long event showed how arts and culture is salve to the community soul in the most trying times. It showed the resiliency of creatives and organizers, and most importantly it showed that people who call Northwest Arkansas home genuinely care for each other.

Participants took the safety and health of their neighbors seriously. Remarkably, not only did attendees and vendors wear protective masks but many performers did as well. While people came prepared with their own masks, they were appreciative of the Arkansas Arts and Fashion Forum who supported the community by giving out 388 free masks throughout the day. Downtown Springdale installed permanent hand sanitizer stations, signage, ground markers, and worked closely with the Arkansas Department of Health to put in place the safety protocols that attendees of all ages were incredibly respectful of as they adhered to wearing masks and conscientiously social distanced by the markers and also of their own accord. People came together in many ways to make sure Day of the Dead was alive and safe in 2020!

An unprecedented year.

An unprecedented response.

In 2020, Tyson Foods donated more than 120 million meals to neighbors and families across the nation.

But we’re not alone. We’re grateful to the Northwest Arkansas businesses, nonprofits, and individuals who have met this year with extraordinary compassion.

Learn Learn more more at at tysonfoods.com tysonfoods.com ®/™/©2020 ®/™/©2020 Tyson Tyson Foods, Foods, Inc. Inc. 19903686 19903686

2020

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL NAMED A 2020 NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL

First two-time winner among all Arkansas nonpublic schools

St. Joseph Catholic School in Fayetteville became the first private school in the state of Arkansas to be named a National Blue Ribbon School, not once, but twice. The U.S. Department of Education announced award winners in September and St. Joseph celebrated by Zoom on Friday, Oct. 16, 2020.

St. Joseph was one of 367 schools nationwide to be named a 2020 National Blue Ribbon Exemplary High Performing School, and one of only five schools in Arkansas to receive the prestigious award. There are more than 1,200 schools in the state of Arkansas, and only 54 public schools and four nonpublic schools have received the award in the 38-year history of Blue Ribbon. In 2014 St. Joseph Catholic School was the first nonpublic school in Northwest Arkansas to ever receive this recognition.

The National Blue Ribbon award is considered the highest honor an American school can achieve. St. Joseph Catholic School was chosen based on the students high standardized test scores – ranking in the top 15 percent nationally in both reading and mathematics.

Principal Jason Pohlmeier says, “Catholic education, not only at St. Joseph but around the world, has accomplished so much for so many people. When families are considering our school for their children, they want to know that they are making an excellent decision for their children. We want the Blue Ribbon to speak to those families of the high-quality education that awaits their children here.”

When St. Joseph qualified for the 2020 award, middle school teacher Michelle Hightower was serving as assistant principal, and Principal Pohlmeier was in his sixth year leading the school. “I knew after 2014 we had big shoes to fill,” Pohlmeier says. “The bar was set very high at St. Joseph. Receiving this award now and becoming the state's first nonpublic repeat winner is the realization of the goal we set following our first recognition. The strength is in the school and not in any particular leader or teacher. We want everyone to know that excellence is the standard at St. Joseph.”

“I believe being a Blue Ribbon school is especially meaningful right now.

With all the COVID adaptations of the 2020 school year our teachers are working harder than they ever have before; and this award is a validation that all their hard work does pay off.”

U.S. Rep. Steve Womack (center) with Principal Jason Pohlmeier, Father Jason Tyler, Michelle Hightower and Asst. Principal Mark Wilburn

passes Asst. Principal Mark Wilburn ents out Blue Bell ice cream to stud

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PHILANTHROPIC FAMILIES

As parents, life offers us many teachable moments; and one of the earliest lessons we talk about with kids is sharing. One way to teach the importance of sharing is by giving to others. Communicating and cultivating values starts at home and these families are helping some of our most vulnerable children across Arkansas by giving back to our children’s hospitals.

Kids Helping Kids

Collins & Caroline Fite 5 years old and 7 years old

In Spring 2018, Caroline’s best friend, Carson, was a patient at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. “We were so glad to find out about the excellent care and the attention that Carson received in the form of small gifts made possible by donations,” said Heather Fite, Collins and Caroline’s mom. Caroline and her younger sister Collins wanted to be sure other kids could have this same "star" treatment while in the hospital. It was Caroline's idea to donate to Arkansas Children’s Northwest since the hospital had recently opened. “They invited their friend Carson to help, and at the end of the sale, the girls wanted to donate 100 percent of the proceeds instead of just a portion!”

Collins and Caroline Fite Avery Huddleston, Carson Huddleston, Caroline Fite and Collins Fite hold the check from their 2020 lemonade stand fundraiser

Caroline, Collins and Carson held their first lemonade stand in May 2018, not long after Arkansas Children’s Northwest opened. The lemonade stands have raised a total of $160 for Arkansas Children’s Northwest. "I wanted to give the money from the lemonade stand to Arkansas Children's Northwest because they needed it more than I did," 7-year-old Caroline said.

Collins, age 5, said she likes giving to Arkansas Children's Northwest “because I want kids to have fun while they are in the hospital.”

The family tries to look for ways to serve others together. “We like to show our kids that giving to others — whether it be their time, talents or finances — is rewarding and fun. The feeling that comes from giving something to someone else is contagious,” Heather said.

“The girls look forward to their lemonade stand each year, and there is no question where they want to donate!”

Willow Gill 5 years old

Willow received a sewing machine for her 5th birthday, and she used this gift to sew masks for kids at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. The idea for sewing masks came when the hospital asked for donations to help provide masks to patients and families in Spring 2020. She started sewing the masks toward the start of the pandemic and created them for around a month. Willow was able to donate about 30 with the help of a friend sewing some masks as well, her mom Brittany Gill said. “She wanted to create the masks to be able to help and the girl loves fashion! She is very artistic and loves design.”

Willow is an ambassador for Arkansas Children’s. “I want her to learn how important this role is, so anytime there is a call for help, we do everything we can to help and support,” Brittany said.

Because Willow was a cancer patient at Arkansas Children’s, she knows firsthand the experience of receiving care. “We decided to give back because after her journey at ACH, I don’t feel it’s an option to not. They saved my daughter’s life and I will do everything I can to pay it forward,” Brittany said.

“I feel like through it all they saved my life also. I never knew how much joy and purpose could fill my heart by giving.”

Willow Gill

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Camden Tucker

Camden Tucker 16 years old

When Camden was 5 years old, she had open heart surgery at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock. There’s an art room for patients in the hospital. “It helped Camden think about something other than being in the hospital and hurting,” said Stephanie Tucker, Camden’s mom. “It took her mind off the stress and the situation and let her be creative.”

In 2010, one year after her open heart surgery, Camden started collecting and donating art and craft supplies to Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Calling it Camden’s Crafts, she has continued donating every year since and now gives back to Arkansas Children’s Northwest.

Camden, who lives in Springdale, has had four surgeries at Arkansas Children’s Hospital and years of appointments at Arkansas Children’s Northwest. “With all the opportunities at a better life ACH and ACNW has allowed Camden and our family, it makes perfect sense to help ACNW when they’ve done so much for our family and many other families in Northwest Arkansas,” Stephanie said. Camden became an ambassador for Arkansas Children’s in 2019 and shares her story at various fundraising events.

Stephanie added that it’s always been important to their family to help others. “Helping others in need fills Camden’s soul and has always been an important part of her life.”

Camden Tucker with art supplies for patients

Tori & Sydney Johnson 5 years old and 8 years old

Arkansas Children’s Hospital provided critical care to Sydney as an infant in 2011 and then saved Tori’s life in October 2015. Their mom, Erin Johnson, said that she and her husband have tried to show the girls how important it is to give back and support others by leading by example.

“Every event we attend provides an opportunity to talk to the girls about helping others in need. When Tori was battling cancer, we had a huge support system. We unfortunately saw many families that did not have that support system,” she said. “We knew then, that once Tori was better, it would be our family’s mission to give back and help as many people as we could.”

Tori became an Arkansas Children’s Ambassador in 2018. As an ambassador, Tori and her family attend different events to share her story, help create awareness and raise funds for Arkansas Children’s Northwest.

Tori and her sister Sydney painted more than 20 paintings to go into the art pull at the Color of Hope Gala benefiting Arkansas Children’s Northwest in August 2019. Tori, 5, wanted to participate “to help the sick kids.”

Erin and Matt Johnson with their children Tori and Sydney

36

“When we did the art, we all did it together and we got to use a lot of glitter,” she added.

Sydney, 8, said she wanted to be part of the art pull because she likes to create things and “my art got to help the sick kids and maybe make someone happy.”

Sydney and Tori creating paintings for the 2019 Color of Hope Gala art pull with help from their mom Erin Johnson

The art pull allowed grateful patients to give back to the very institution that serves them by expressing what Arkansas Children’s meant to them or by drawing what a Champion for Children looks like.

- Mandy Macke

2020 COLOR OF HOPE RAISES $750,000 DESPITE THE PANDEMIC Every year, champions for children gather during the annual Color of Hope Gala and Will Golf 4 Kids Tournament to support Arkansas Children’s Northwest. Due to the pandemic, Arkansas Children’s Northwest representatives knew they could not safely gather in person for the 2020 events.

But cancer doesn't stop for COVID-19. In Arkansas, 90 percent of pediatric cancer patients are treated at Arkansas Children's, with 100 new cases diagnosed each year. For this reason, moving forward with a Matching Fund Drive was needed now more than ever.

The Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation, Inc., generously matched all gifts up to $100,000, and SC Johnson up to $50,000 — making TWICE the impact for kids battling cancer in Northwest Arkansas!

Mandy Macke and Jennifer Yurachek

The art pull was a new element added to the 2019 Color of Hope Gala by gala chair Mandy Macke, executive director and vice chairman of the Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation. “The art pull allowed grateful patients to give back to the very institution that serves them by expressing what Arkansas Children’s meant to them or by drawing what a Champion for Children looks like,” she said. The art pull also incorporated other children in the community to participate in philanthropy at an early age by donating their works of art to be sold at the event. All art was gift-wrapped, and every piece was the same price. Some families made art at home while other groups of children met at the Walker Foundation or the Fayetteville Public Library on designated Art Days.

“From a fundraising perspective, it allowed people to purchase a piece of art at the event, bringing in another revenue stream, but more importantly, in my opinion, it really spoke to the mission of Arkansas Children’s, which is to champion children,” Macke said.

Tori’s favorite part of being an ambassador is seeing her friends at the hospital, helping sick children and getting to meet new people all the time.

Sydney enjoys attending events to support Tori and “getting to see how many people care about kids who are sick and their families.”

Erin said they continue to receive care at Arkansas Children’s Northwest and feel that the kids in this community deserve the very best care. The family previously had to make the drive to Little Rock and take Angel One many times, so care close to home is life-changing.

Because of their support and the generosity of the community, more than $750,000 was raised for the hematology/oncology program and services at Arkansas Children’s Northwest.

Thanks to your support, kids receiving life-saving cancer treatment at Arkansas Children's Northwest are better today and will be healthier tomorrow.

“It was important for us to ensure our support for Arkansas Children’s Northwest was felt even during a pandemic,” said Macke. “At the time of the event, there were more than 30 children receiving cancer treatment at Arkansas Children’s Northwest. Continuing our support of all services at ACNW is important but specifically we did not want to let up on our commitment to expanding hematology and oncology services.”

On a personal level, Macke said she also wanted to support friends Jennifer and Hunter Yurachek as the 2020 and now 2021 Color of Hope Gala chairs. She met the Yuracheks in 2017 after Hunter accepted a position as the vice chancellor and director of athletics at the University of Arkansas.

Macke soon learned the couple has a passion for helping children. “I appreciate their commitment to ACNW and support to champion children.”

One of the fun elements of the Color of Hope Gala is all of the partygoers wearing the chosen color. The 2021 gala color is visions of red, so get your red outfit ready!

The 2021 Will Golf 4 Kids Tournament will be Aug. 5 and 6, and the Color of Hope Gala will be held Aug. 7. For more details, visit www.archildrens.org or call 479.725.2965.

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JUNE

01 to 06

The Cancer Challenge John Sublette with his mom Holli Smith Patrick

Freestyle Love Supreme

(Photo courtesy of Karrie Jean Photography)

Walton Arts Center www.waltonartscenter.org

05

Crawfish Boil

Children’s Safety Center www.childrenssafetycenter.org

05

Walk 'n Roll

Sunshine School & Development Center www.nwasunshineschool.org

10

Spark of Hope

Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas

17

www.spsfnwa.org

Virtual Women’s Empowerment Summit

10 to 12

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The Longest Day

Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org

The Cancer Challenge

Network of Executive Women NWA

12

18 to 27

Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

American Heart Association

Arkansas Public Theatre

The Cancer Challenge

www.newonline.org/region/northwest-arkansas

www.cancerchallenge.com

The Lifespan of a Fact

Paint the Town Red

www.arkansaspublictheatre.org

nwapaintthetownred.heart.org

6/16 to 7/11

19

TheatreSquared

EOA Children’s House

www.waltonartscenter.org

Rodeo of the Ozarks www.rodeooftheozarks.org

25

www.childrenshousenwa.org

www.theatre2.org

Walton Arts Center

23 to 26

Summer Salsa

Matilda: The Musical

22 to 27

Red, White & Baby Blue

Jackson L. Graves Foundation www.jacksongraves.org

tbd

mark your calendar

WHO WHAT WHERE

SUN

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Tee Off for Taylor

Taylor McKeen Shelton Foundation

TUE

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www.taylormckeen.com

tbd

NWA Great Strides

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation www.cff.org/Arkansas

tbd

Catfish, Corndogs & Cornhole

Mercy Health Foundation Northwest Arkansas

www.mercyhealthfoundation.net/nwa

Two venues centrally located on 54 acres with timeless design for all of life’s celebrations.

Osage House | 243 Pace Lane | Cave Springs, AR | 479.257.7888 | osagehouse.com

JULY

04

Virtual Dream Big Charity Gala | Children's Safety Center Emily Rappe' Fisher with Jake McBride

Run for Veterans

7hills Homeless Center www.7hillscenter.org

16 to 17

Power on the Bricks and Big Boat Bash

Sheep Dog Impact Assistance www.sheepdogia.org

17

Dream Big Charity Gala Children’s Safety Center www.childrenssafetycenter.org

7/23 to 8/08

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas Arkansas Public Theatre www.arkansaspublictheatre.org

26 Virtual Dream Big Charity Gala | Children's Safety Center Brittni Gunn, Emily Rappe' Fisher, Erin Moody and Jillian Oyler

Beat the Heat Summer Swing Golf Tournament

Kendrick Fincher Hydration for Life www.kendrickfincher.org

7/28 to 8/01

mark your calendar

WHO WHAT WHERE

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My Fair Lady

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Walton Arts Center www.waltonartscenter.org

tbd

Beach Bingo Bash

Elizabeth Richardson Center www.ercinc.org

tbd

First Tee Challenge

First Tee - Northwest Arkansas www.firstteenorthwestarkansas.org

Walker Foundation + Crystal Bridges: Partnering to Bring Art Kits to the Community

By Erica Harmon for 3W Magazine

uring a year of uncertainty, the immediate needs of students and school districts changed rapidly, challenging Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art to reconsider its educational offerings and meet students and educators where they were. To do so, the museum turned to the Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation, a dedicated education partner, to fund new learning opportunities that could reach children beyond the museum walls: art kits.

A Dedicated Partner for Education The Walker Foundation has a long and storied history funding educational opportunities at Crystal Bridges. In 2011, they contributed $10 million to create the Walker School Visit Program Endowment. This vital fund helps to underwrite expenses incurred by schools and allows the museum to offer benefits of free school field trips that include free student lunches and transportation reimbursement. To date, the museum has welcomed over 265,000 students from all backgrounds and school districts to explore American art, many for the very first time, thanks in part to this fund. In addition to supporting education through art, the Walker Foundation has also sponsored exhibitions and events at the museum.

Adapting to Student Needs in 2020 Between March and June, Crystal Bridges, like many institutions in the area, closed its doors to stop the spread of COVID-19. While Crystal Bridges was unable to bring students onsite, they quickly partnered with the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank and select schools whose students had challenges getting to food distribution centers. With the help of the Walker Foundation and other funders, the museum mobilized its staff and created thousands of packed lunches for students. Each lunch was accompanied with an art kit.

My Museum Kits: A New Educational Offering The success of the art kits inside school lunches led the museum to expand its art kit offerings over the Summer of 2020, once again turning to the Walker Foundation to fund the expansion.

The result was My Museum Kit, a physical art kit that offers lessons, projects and art supplies themed around works found in the Crystal Bridges collection, each focusing on a specific theme such as Color, Sculpture, Art of Kindness and more (six in total). The kits are also accompanied by video resources for each activity, which can be found on www.CrystalBridges.org.

s kit art h t i Mandy Macke w Over the Summer, thousands of kits were created and distributed to schools and community organizations in the Northwest Arkansas area that identified children in need.

As the Summer season transitioned into the Fall semester, it became clear that the pandemic would continue to cause complications for schools and student learning. As of now, Crystal Bridges is still unable to offer onsite school field trips per state regulations, but with the Walker Foundation’s blessing, funds were redirected to support virtual school tours and develop art kits that combined fun art activities with classroom curriculum: My Museum Classroom Kits. Over the course of this school year, the museum is distributing 30,000 of these kits to school districts in need.

“As the pandemic has revealed, lack of access to computers and basic needs have made learning harder, particularly for schools with a lower socioeconomic status; these art kits are a way to respond to those needs,” said Crystal Bridges Chief Education Officer Marissa Reyes. “Children need active, hands-on learning opportunities. We developed My Museum Kits to deepen engagement combat boredom while addressing learning standards in art, social studies, math and science.

The museum’s art kits have been well received in the community and in classrooms. Crystal Bridges plans to continue expanding the art kit program and remains thankful for the Walker Foundation’s continued support and commitment to providing schools with access to great art experiences.

“The Walker Foundation is an invaluable partner and education funder,” Reyes said.

“They have faith and trust that Crystal Bridges will pivot funding and educational opportunities to address school and student needs in the current moment. We couldn’t ask for anything better.”

Credit: Photos courtesy of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

LATRIECE WATKINS EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, CONSUMABLES, WALMART

Education: B.A. Political Science, Spelman College Juris Doctorate, University of Arkansas School of Law

Did you always know what you wanted to do?

As a child, I wanted to be a teacher. At some point, though, I fell in love with the idea of working a cash register. I went to law school because I wanted to be a lawyer and a judge and then one day I decided my dream job was to be a personal shopper. If you think about it, being a personal shopper combines my childhood desire to guide and instruct with my love for commerce.

Best part of your job: Hands down, the best part of my job is the people I work with who strive every day to make sure customers who shop Walmart get the best price, great brands and the ability to shop whenever, wherever and however they want.

First big break: My first real big break was getting accepted and attending Spelman College.

It opened up a new world for me and fundamentally changed what I believed was possible in my life.

Quality you admire most in women: One of the qualities I most admire in other women is that of being relatable – it empowers you with your people, your peers, leaders and stakeholders at every level.

In what ways have you personally and professionally had to pivot during the current pandemic?

One of the most important disciplines I’ve had to put in place during this time when we are working from home is to pivot from being at work to being at home. To physically turn off the computer, close the door of the office and be present at home. In a Zoom world where we aren’t in physical proximity to our teams, it’s important to watch for how people are doing and to check in on them regularly. I am learning to manage my energy and make sure I help my team take the breaks they need. As a company, Walmart has continued to keep a laser focus on our customers — providing the products they need and a shopping environment that is safe and convenient. We’ve evolved how we work with suppliers to strengthen our supply chain, instituted safety guidelines and sanitation protocols, and expanded services like Grocery Pickup and Delivery.

What changes have you seen in the current fight against racism?

I’ve seen greater compassion, curiosity and camaraderie.

Do you still seek out mentors or mentees?

Mentorship is important at every level of one’s career. We all need someone who will encourage us to dream bigger as well as challenge us to be better. I seek mentorship, and I mentor as well. Both push and motivate me.

What nonprofits are you involved with and why?

Over the years I have supported several organizations because they are part of the fabric of the community and do such good work across Northwest Arkansas.

These include Big Brothers Big Sisters, Mercy Health Foundation Northwest Arkansas and Thaden School. I’ve tried to focus any efforts I support around organizations that specifically benefit children and women.

St. Vincent de Paul C A T H O L I C

S C H O O L

FAITH · KNOWLEDGE · SERVICE

Accepting applications PreK-8th A 2015 National Blue Ribbon Exemplary High Performing School 479.636.4421 | svdpschool.net 1315 W. Cypress St., Rogers, AR 72758

CHRISTINE WILBURN

VICE PRESIDENT, CUSTOMER DEVELOPMENT, UNILEVER - WALMART CONSUMABLES Christine Wilburn is from the small town of Vandalia, Missouri, where she was instilled with values such as strong sense of community and hard work.

After living in multiple Midwestern cities such as Chicago, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis, she found Northwest Arkansas to be “home” and simply the best place to raise a family as it has so much to offer while still maintaining a small community vibe. She lived in NWA for nearly eight years from 20082015, moved to Cincinnati, and then jumped at the opportunity to come back to NWA with Unilever. Her husband, Mark, is assistant principal and coach at St. Joseph Catholic School, and they have four children: Madeline, Ella, Audrey and Noah.

Education: B.S. Agribusiness Management, University of Missouri

Best part of your job: I love that every day is challenging and unique, and I find that I am constantly learning. I also get so much energy from a team environment focused on a common goal, which is the spirit of how we work in the supplier community.

Quality you admire most in women: I admire women that are unapologetically authentic in their personal and professional lives. The happiest women I know are living their best lives by being true to who they are and their values. And they readily admit that the McDonald’s drive thru is a source of survival when work gets hectic, kids' schedules are crazy, etc.!

What changes have you seen within your workplace in regard to empowering women?

One of the things that attracted me to Unilever is they are the gold standard for gender equality and supporting women in the workplace. We walk the talk, and we are constantly evaluating other companies for new ways to improve support. Our leaders are unapologetic about their efforts, and that matters. One area that has made a big impact on me is the idea of a truly flexible work schedule. Our employees work when, where and how they can be most effective at their job. It takes away the worry and guilt of running to the awards assembly or leaving for a kid's game, because they trust that you will do what you need to do to get the job done.

What nonprofits are you involved with and why?

Because my husband is the assistant principal at St. Joseph Catholic School, we give much of our time and resources to our church family and community. I also serve on the Development Council for The Jones Center, and I sponsor the women’s support efforts for our local team.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

I find inspiration in so many places and people, but I have been reflecting frequently on my grandparents during this pandemic. I think because they lived through the Great Depression and World War II, they found joy and blessings in the little things – family dinners, playing cards, dancing in the kitchen to the radio, and simply being grateful for health and time with loved ones.

Not only is the CAC an excellent organization for Henkel to support, but it’s personally near and dear to my heart. The work the center does with children is amazing and we’re proud to be associated with the organization.

IRI deeply appreciates what the CAC does for children and families in the NW Arkansas area.

By protecting the most vulnerable in our community, you make us all stronger. Thank you.

Greg Chandler

Lou Salvatore

There are few crimes more heinous than those that are committed against an innocent child. Often these circumstances are compounded by fear, either because of the repercussions for doing so, or the very real fear that no one will believe them. CAC gives a voice to the voiceless and provides a safe place for children who have experienced trauma to begin their journey toward healing.

We can all play a part in making Northwest Arkansas a safer place for everyone to live and raise a family. Our connection with the CAC not only provides us a way to give back to our community; and it also models the importance of service to our children.”

Kathryn and Jason McLay

When you find out how many children are being affected by child sexual abuse, you cannot walk away and not do anything. Being on the board of the CAC for 8-plus years, has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve done. The CAC staff is helping the most vulnerable of our population; they are angels on earth. They’re bringing children out of the darkest time of their lives and helping them begin again. When you get involved with any organization, you reap the reward of living beyond yourself. Your soul will soar with pleasure in knowing you’re helping others.

Shelley and Doug McMillon

Empowerment Sponsor:

CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER OF BENTON COUNTY

THANKS YOU!

Speaker Sponsor:

Hero Sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor:

Awareness Sponsors:

STEPHANIE MARTINEZ SALES AND REPLENISHMENT ANALYST, PARIS PRESENTS, INC.

Originally from Dallas, Texas, Stephanie Martinez moved to Northwest Arkansas in 2011 and took a director of operations role at a local entrepreneurial company. She has always been very driven, having come from humble beginnings, but over time she learned the hard way there is more to life than work and school. It is a personal mission of hers to inspire others and bring out the best in themselves. “As a Latina, I grew up with such few role models outside of my family, and I was determined to change that, starting with myself,” she said.

Education: B.A. Journalism/Public Relations, University of North Texas M.B.A. Supply Chain Management and Marketing Analytics, University of Arkansas

Quality you admire most in women: Resilience. Women have the ability to bounce back and recover from some of the most unexpectedly challenging or painful experiences.

First big break: I originally graduated in a recession, so I took an unpaid internship with American Airlines. Most people had no paying jobs to offer at the time, so this was a great, humbling lesson to learn and taught me to be flexible in the face of unforeseeable life changes and to leave my ego at the door! In the end, I was the only one of five interns who was hired into the corporate communications department. I was able to learn so much about what I was looking for in a career and in some ways, what I did not what in a career.

What changes have you seen within your workplace in regard to empowering women?

I’m blessed to work in an environment with strong, independent women, supportive men, and the most amazing advocate as our leader, Debbie Alsup.

She makes sure all our needs are met, we are heard, and there is no such thing as discrimination or gender inequality on her watch. Advocating women doesn’t mean inequality for men; it means creating a level playing field and treating everyone with the same respect. If we begin with a foundation of equality, then each person can build their career on merit, not an unfair disadvantage.

In what ways have you professionally had to pivot during the current pandemic?

Video call fatigue is a real thing and paying attention to personal health and work-life balance has been a real struggle. I force myself to get up, move around, go check the mail just to get outside and do some yoga. Otherwise my entire week is living in front of a monitor, and you can’t sustain that lifestyle.

Best advice you've ever received: “Not everyone is going to like you.” When you learn to stop people-pleasing you can focus on what truly matters.

What nonprofits are you involved with and why?

Children’s Safety Center is near and dear to my heart. I volunteer for the Dream Big Charity Gala committee to help raise money for children who have suffered sexual abuse. The American Heart Association also is extremely important to me, as diabetes runs in my family and my grandfather is a heart attack survivor.

MAURIAHH ESQUIVEL V.P. GROUP CREATIVE DIRECTOR, SAATCHI & SAATCHI X

Born in Neosho, Missouri, Mauriahh Esquivel is an only child from a small but mighty family. She grew up in the small town of Vinita, Oklahoma. After graduating from her high school class of about 80 people, she couldn’t wait to get out and experience the world. That feeling landed Mauriahh in Los Angeles after college, only to find herself drawn back to Northwest Arkansas to work for Saatchi & Saatchi X. This is where she fell in love with the area’s charm, its friendly people and its outdoorsy vibe. Once she discovered this hidden gem bustling with opportunity, she decided to put down roots here. Mauriahh bought a home in Springdale seven years ago, where she lives with her husband and their “fur fam” (two pups and a kitty). “Over my 16 years here, it’s been fun to watch Fayetteville stay funky, experience the Bentonville boom and be a part of Springdale springin’ to life,” she said. “Seeing the metamorphosis of the area has kept me intrigued enough to want to stay and grow with it.”

Education: Associate Degree in Applied Science, Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology

Did you always know what you wanted to do?

I didn’t always know what I wanted to do. My mom is the most talented artist I’ve ever known, and I grew up wishing I had her hand skills. My dad is an empathetic creative thinker who applied that to his career as a family therapist.

I did well in school, took art classes and even won some art shows when I was young, but I never saw art as a career path. Just knowing I wanted to help people, I assumed the best way to do that was by becoming a doctor, so I put art aside and went to pre-med thanks to scholarships. But instead of staying up all night cramming for chemistry tests, I’d find myself daydreaming and doodling. I did a 180 and changed paths to graphic design. Graphic design led me to art direction and then into creative leadership.

Best part of your job: It’s the two-fold C’s. 1) Culture. I have a work family of Xers who make me better. They bring so much joy to my day and getting to help them reach their potential and use creativity to grow is the biggest reward. Saatchi & Saatchi X is known for its culture. We work hard and enjoy our time together (even if we are physically apart). 2) Creating conversion. When I can get my hands on a client brief with a super juicy problem to solve, then I get to collaborate with some of the smartest people I know to unlock an idea that creates conversion and grows our clients’ business. It is so satisfying.

What changes have you seen within your workplace in regard to empowering women?

When I started 16 years ago, most of the top leadership positions were held by men. The advertising industry as a whole was predominantly male dominated.

I’ve seen Saatchi & Saatchi X make it a priority to employ, support and grow women over the years. Our President and CEO, Jessica Hendrix, as well as several other women in key leadership roles, empower women to have a voice in the industry and to break glass ceiling facades.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

I have always been inspired by Elon Musk. His seemingly impossible vision, creativity, and most of all, his failures and rejections remind me of what being a creative is all about. The fact that all those failures and rejections haven’t stopped or slowed him down from innovating beyond what most would only dream of fuels me to want to try harder.

More than a Golf Course

Outdoor Dining Corporate & Banquet Events Tennis & Golf Intimate Wedding Venue Fitness & Swim Family Friendly Activities

Northwest Arkansas’ Premier Country Club

MELISA LAELAN

FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ARKANSAS COALITION OF MARSHALLESE (ACOM) Melisa Laelan was born and raised in the Marshall Islands. At age 16, she graduated top of her high school in the islands. A year later she enlisted in the United States Armed Forces. While in the Army, she was offered the opportunity to serve as a logistic specialist within various units throughout the United States and abroad including Asia and Europe. It was then that she acquainted with people from different cultures and became more appreciative of the diversity she experienced. After 10 years in the service, she moved to Arkansas to attend the University of Arkansas in 2004 and study international relations. Because of her prior service with the Armed Forces, she was able to obtain her citizenship, and in 2011, she became a U.S. citizen. In 2011, along with other Marshallese leaders, Melisa founded Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese (ACOM), and in 2015, ACOM received its nonprofit status, making it the first organization founded and directed by native Marshall Islanders. As the executive director of ACOM, she has become a resource contact in both Marshallese and non-Marshallese communities.

What changes have you seen within your workplace in regard to empowering women?

I came from a culture that has a matrilineal society, but there are certain things that women are prohibited to do. Our ancestral women had the power to put a warfare to cease, speak to the power of our roles. Nowadays, women have little political power. So, I grew up in a world that I was already assigned a role. I think the training that I received in the military prepared me to get my mentality out of the gender inequality because it trained me and constantly told me that I was as good as anyone else.

When did you know what you wanted to do?

At an early age, I had always dreamed to thrive at being independent. We call it kajironron in my native language. All of that came from seeing struggles in my own families and where I grew up. I knew I was quite different from siblings and cousins and I wanted something different - not necessarily a good thing.

Best part of your job: I enjoy every aspect of my job, especially the responsibility of looking at ways that the Marshallese community can grow while maintaining their identity. It is okay to function in a new world and be able to adapt and never forget where you came from. Before running a new program, I always ask, “How do I bring a program that's meaningful to the people? Is it going to work and what level of effectiveness will it have?� Serving the community is what drives me, and as long as I have this job I will do that. I love being creative, and I am always thankful for all the partnerships that we have with different organizations and agencies. I learn so much every day through my job, and I know I have a lot of learning to do. I am touched when a community member reveals to us that the work that ACOM did saved her from losing her home or a family telling us that they were able to buy a home.

First big break: When I became the first Marshallese Certified Interpreter in the nation.

Quality you admire most in women: Women are silent powerful machines, and we get things done. Women are multitaskers. I admire the fact that we can be the nurturer, thinker, shaker and remain a strong force.

Abigail. Lorellie & Gracie

Deonta

Dakotah

Zachary

Brandon & Brandaja

Aliyah

Brandy

Hannah

Harmony, Dontae & Malakhai

Ieasha

Charity

Justin

Isaiah

"THERE ARE NO UNWANTED CHILDREN, JUST UNFOUND FAMILIES."

— Anonymous

In our nation, over 125,000 children

The mission of Project Zero is to

and teens are languishing in foster

diligently and enthusiastically

care waiting to be adopted; 354 of

promote adoption through the

them are in Arkansas. These kids are

foster care system, build hope

hoping, longing, dreaming and

during the wait, with the ultimate

praying for a family to call their own.

goal of ďŹ nding a forever family for

Project Zero believes that every

every child, teen and sibling group

single waiting child, no matter how

waiting to be adopted.

old they are, deserves a place to call home. We are committed to thinking

For more information please

outside the box, in partnership with

visit us our website.

Arkansas DCFS, to make these dreams a reality.

www.TheProjectZero.org

LIZ ANDERSON

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT, NORTHWEST ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE Liz Anderson was born in Seoul, South Korea, and was fortunate to be adopted from an orphanage, along with her two older sisters, when she was five years old. Growing up on the West Coast, she didn’t know much about this part of the country until moving to Bartlesville, Oklahoma, in high school and meeting her husband at John Brown University. They’ve made both Oklahoma and Northwest Arkansas their home for the past 20 years, and in 2014, they moved back to NWA for good. They settled in Springdale to raise their son, AP (Aaron Paul), who has had incredible experiences at The New School in Fayetteville and is now loving the Don Tyson School of Innovation.

Education: B.A. Mass Communication, Northeastern State University M.A. Communication, Northeastern State University

Did you always know what you wanted to do?

I’ve always had a passion for reading, writing and getting lost in a good novel, so I started college as an English major. But midway through, I changed my focus to mass communication and joined the public affairs team at my alma mater after graduation. There, I discovered how to support faculty and students through communication and community events. Most importantly, I earned a great amount of respect for all who make up an education family.

We are all working together to help students succeed and build community.

Have you stayed on a straight path to your career goal?

My whole life has been a windy path that’s turned into a tapestry of so many meaningful relationships. I’ve never been one for firm career goals and believe that’s why I’ve been open to new challenges and directions that led to where I am now. Education is my love and I’m so thrilled to be back in higher education. I knew when I was five years old that America was the land of opportunity and that means quality education needs to be accessible to all.

Education changes lives; it alters the course of individuals and entire families.

I believe in the potential of each individual to find success regardless of their place of birth or background.

Best part of your job: It has to be the people. I absolutely love the donors in our community and the philanthropic spirit of Northwest Arkansas. There is nothing purer than the joy I see on the faces of those who give when helping their community. I can’t say enough good things about the faculty, staff and students at NWACC. They have genuine passion for what they do. There’s an energy you can feel during every interaction, and they’ve made me feel like part of the family from Day 1.

Quality you admire most in women: Kindness.

Advice you'd give to other working women/moms: Give yourself grace because none of us have it completely figured out.

Remember you are not solely defined by your work, and what matters the most at the end are the people you love and who love you.

What do you do for fun?

Our family loves to hit the area mountain bike trails, bike the greenway or find a good hike in the Ozarks. We try to wind down every day with a good stroll with our Golden Retriever Charlotte and Irish Setter Rusty.

CLEAN. SAFE. FUN. Confidence is knowing that when I go back to work, my child’s going back to a school she loves: Goddard. Held to the highest standards of cleanliness and just good, clean fun.

call today! fayetteville

479-262-0970 • GoddardSchool.com Infant through Pre-K

The Goddard Schools are operated by independent franchisees under a license agreement with Goddard Systems, Inc. Programs and ages may vary. Goddard Systems, Inc. program is AdvancED accredited. License #30426 .© Goddard Systems, Inc. 2020

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Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Benton County

Kendrick Fincher Hydration for Life

ALS Association

AUGUST

04

Student Benefit

The Tailgate Gala www.kendrickfincher.org

www.spsfbc.org

05 to 07

tbd

Open Avenues

ALS Association

Walk to Defeat ALS

www.soarnwa.com

Arkansas Children’s Northwest www.archildrens.org

www.als-arkansas.org

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tbd

Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter

www.bentonvillefilm.org

Golf Classic

8/11 to 9/05

American Mariachi

www.als-arkansas.org

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SOAR NWA

Will Golf 4 Kids & Color of Hope Gala

Legacy Gala

Bentonville Film Festival

www.nwacs.org

TheatreSquared

tbd

www.theatre2.org

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Putt for Paws

Restoration Village

Humane Society of the Ozarks

www.restorationvillage.net

www.hsozarks.org

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tbd

Boys & Girls Club of Benton County

The New School

Barn Bash

50th Anniversary Celebration

Sip, Savor & Support www.bgcbentoncounty.org

www.thenewschool.org

21

tbd

Beaver Water District

ALS Association

Secchi Day & Science Festival

ALS Golf Tournament

www.bwdh2o.org

www.als-arkansas.org

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Golf 4 A Cause

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkoma www.golf4rmhc.com

WHO WHAT WHERE

mark your calendar

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2019 Student Benefit Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Benton County Jack Eaton and Meredith Young

“SHE TALKS ABOUT HER

GODDARD FRIENDS

ALL WEEKEND!”

With caring teachers, health and safety policies designed for families like ours and so many new friends for Hannah, we feel right at home.

That’s the Goddard Family.

call today! rogers

479-335-1122 • GoddardSchool.com Infant through Pre-K

The Goddard Schools are operated by independent franchisees under a license agreement with Goddard Systems, Inc. Programs and ages may vary. Goddard Systems, Inc. program is AdvancED accredited. License #31328 .© Goddard Systems, Inc. 2020

SEPTEMBER

tbd

The Wine Opener & Weekend with the Finest Cystic Fibrosis Foundation www.cff.org/Arkansas

tbd

Shelter Jam

7hills Homeless Center www.7hillscenter.org

tbd

Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G Maria Fassi, Gaby Lopez, Donna Morris, Celia Swanson, Morgan Pressel and Juli Inkster

01 to 30

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NWA Food Bank

Restoration Village

Hunger Action Month www.nwafoodbank.org

www.restorationvillage.net

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Washington Regional Medical Foundation – Faith in Action

Susan G. Komen Ozark

www.wregional.com

03 to 05

Trifest for MS

Rampy MS Research Foundation www.researchms.org

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Cherishing Children Dinner Children’s Advocacy Center of Benton County www.cacbentonco.com

13 to 18

NWA Challenge for Hope Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter

www.nwachallengeforhope.com

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NWA Business Women’s Conference WHO WHAT WHERE

AIM for Advocacy

9/2021 to 8/2022 Savor the Flavor

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(Photo by Gabe Roux)

Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce

www.nwabusinesswomensconference.com

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Jewels of Giving Gala NWA Food Bank www.nwafoodbank.org

MORE THAN PINK Walk www.komenozark.org

20 to 26

Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented

by P&G www.nwachampionship.com

22 to 23

Golf Tournament & Dinner/Auction Sharing & Caring of Benton County

www.sharingandcaringkids.com

22 to 25

Bikes, Blues & BBQ www.bikesbluesandbbq.org

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Kickball 4 the Kids Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter www.nwacs.org

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Fall Demolition Derby Rodeo of the Ozarks www.rodeooftheozarks.org

Virtual NWA Business Women's Conference 2020 Woman of the Year awardee Dr. Becky Paneitz (center) with Jean Anderson and Isabella Bryan

High Gravity

Girls on the Run of Northwest Arkansas www.gotrnwa.org

tbd

Read Between the Wines

Literacy Council of Benton County www.goliteracy.org

tbd

Brits in the Ozarks ALS Association www.als-arkansas.org

tbd

Swing for the Cure

Susan G. Komen Ozark www.komenozark.org

tbd

Slay the 5K

St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School office@svdpschool.net

#NWACHAMPIONSHIP WEEK RETURNS

SEPTEMBER 20-26, 2021 • NWACHAMPIONSHIP.com

OCTOBER

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Pink Ribbon Luncheon Susan G. Komen Ozark www.komenozark.org

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Fresh StART

Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter www.nwaws.org

tbd

Virtual Kiss A Pig Gala | American Diabetes Association Jon Williams, Chelsea Helms, Leslee Post, Lauren Roussell and Andrew Huntsinger

02

Men’s Night

St. Joseph Catholic School

08

Kiss A Pig Gala

www.sjfay.com

Bill Fleeman Gentlemen of Distinction

American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org

Hope Cancer Resources

04

www.hopecancerresources.org

08 to 10

www.thejonescenter.net

www.vintagemarketdays.com

07 to 09

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Mercy Health Foundation Northwest Arkansas

Children’s Advocacy Center of Benton County

Forest Frenzy

Rogers Public Education Foundation www.rogerspef.com

Sweetest Day

www.mercyhealthfoundation.net/nwa

tbd

Celebrity Waiter Gala

08

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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and The Tea Rose Foundation of Northwest Arkansas

Boys & Girls Club of Benton County

Children’s Safety Center

tbd

www.cacbentonco.com

Mobil 1 Fall Classic

State of the Children’s Safety Center, A Virtual Summit

www.bgcbentoncounty.org

WHO WHAT WHERE

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Pagnozzi Parker Charities www.pagnozziparker.org

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www.akapao.com

Pagnozzi Parker Charity Golf Tournament, Ultimate Tailgate & Auction

www.childrenssafetycenter.org

mark your calendar

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Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas

tbd

Vintage Market Days

CF Outdoor Invitational

Golftoberfest www.spsfnwa.org

The Golf Event The Jones Center

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Winetopia

Restore Humanity

www.restorehumanity.org

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Walk for Hope

Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter www.nwacs.org

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SVdP Golf Classic

St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School office@svdpschool.net

Building Brands Through Authentic Conversations Influencer Marketing | Customer Insights | Marketing Services

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getting back to

Basics

THE IMPORTANCE OF

Health Care, Food & Education

Now more than ever before, we understand the importance of getting our basic needs met.

When the pandemic hit America in 2020, no one was prepared ...

The world watched in horror as everything shut down. For the first time in some Americans’ lives, the worry of not being able to provide basic needs for their families was terrifying. Food was wiped bare from the shelves. How long would we be without meat, eggs or milk? There was no toilet paper or sanitizer to be found.

And while Arkansas performed better than most states on access to health insurance, we are falling short on food and housing security indicators, according to a 50-state report of recent household data developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation analyzing how families are faring during the COVID-19 crisis.

Some Arkansans fear losing their homes and put off getting

medical care as the state, nation and world still grapple with COVID-19 cases. Many of these people are likely working on the frontlines of the pandemic at hospitals, restaurants, grocery stores and childcare centers.

Everyone has struggled, many in silence, over the last year. The mental and physical toll that COVID-19 has had on us all cannot be overstated. But our Northwest Arkansas community is full of helpers. Where there’s a will, there’s a way, and we continue to hear about compassion and philanthropic hearts donating to create miracles for those in need. Those are the stories we want to tell.

HEALTH CARE IN NORTHWEST ARKANSAS

COVID-19 Crisis & The Next New Normal “Initially, health care workers were scared: scared of being exposed to the virus, scared of bringing it home to their loved ones and scared for their financial security. Due to the financial assistance offered through the government, most health care workers in Northwest Arkansas were able to survive, from a financial standpoint, the Spring lockdown,” Sharkey said.

Erica Schamber, COVID-19 Environmental Services Technician at Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas

March 18, 2020

- the date Gov. Asa Hutchinson confirmed Northwest Arkansas’ first COVID-19 case. Immediately regional health care providers and state agencies began working together to coordinate efforts in screening, treating and containing COVID-19.

At the onset of COVID-19 in Arkansas in March 2020, the Northwest Arkansas Council’s Health Care Transformation Division members, along with Community Clinic, began planning for a potential surge in COVID-19 cases in Northwest Arkansas.

“Meeting as a group up to three times per week, the division pivoted its focus from collective planning for the future to clinical surge planning, increasing COVID-19 testing capacity, securing essential personal protective equipment and supporting essential frontline health care workers. The Council coordinated with division members to ensure consistent public-health messaging from the health care community,” according to the Council’s annual report.

In the Spring, most medical doctors’ offices remained open, said Dr. Martha Sharkey, Fayetteville’s City Health Officer. Some specialties, such as ophthalmology and dermatology, significantly reduced the hours that their doctors were working. Dentists and orthodontists were more severely impacted in the Spring, she said. Sharkey also runs her own practice called Rainbow Pediatric Clinic, which she noted did not close and is currently offering full services. She is also providing telehealth visits when appropriate and is conducting all of the “shot only” appointments and COVID-19 testing from the parking lot.

Currently, most doctors and dentists’ clinics are fully operational albeit in a modified fashion: wearing PPE, screening patients for COVID-19, and with significantly increased cleaning measures in place, she added.

Many doctors and nurses have had and currently have COVID-19, she said. “Sadly, a few of our health care workers have died due to COVID-19. While we are all still scared of getting the virus, we are not living in absolute fear,” Sharkey said. “We realize that by doing what we do we are exposed to it every day, but we now have enough PPE that we feel some level of protection as we go about treating patients.”

Sharkey added that the mental health toll on health care workers cannot be overstated. “Most of us are working longer hours than we did in our residencies and witnessing more morbidity and mortality than in the rest of our careers combined. I am worried about burnout,” she said.

It’s clear the intense pace of the pandemic for health care workers is unrelenting. Not only the hours, but the significant increase in morbidity and the loss of patients, despite all best efforts. “This is new territory for health care workers used to patients generally getting well enough to go home or, at most, shift-long bursts of emergency, not an extended, Groundhog Day version, like COVID,” says Dr. Kristin Markell, integrative gynecologist at Washington Regional Medical Center. “Building resilience requires time to assess values, time to practice ‘basic needs’ of self-care and time to process through intense events to arrive at a deeper understanding,” she says. “And our focus right now is on resilience, and eventually recovery.

Resilience allows us to recognize where we are, the hard

facts of the day to day, while also providing additional support to health care workers to navigate and survive these times. Recovery will come later as we identify the after effects of the pandemic and make plans for prevention of and readiness for similar circumstances.”

Nicole Huddleston, marketing manager for Arkansas Children’s Northwest, agrees and said health care workers are incredibly resilient and committed individuals. “Through all of the increased safety protocols, our team remains focused on the Arkansas Children’s mission of helping children be better today and healthier tomorrow. We’ve seen our team get very creative to find ways to continue to safely bring joy to the patients and families we serve every day. They are truly health care heroes.”

In June 2020, Northwest Arkansas health care providers launched a Northwest Arkansas-focused public service announcement (PSA) campaign entitled “Safe and Strong,” in collaboration with the Northwest Arkansas Council, community officials, leaders and influencers. This multi-channel campaign provides critical community-focused messaging around social distancing, surface cleanliness, personal hygiene and masking. The Northwest Arkansas Council developed an online resource that includes the “Safe and Strong” public service announcement initiative and up-todate information on COVID-19 resources and testing locations, which can be found at www.nwacouncil.org/ health-care.

Martine Pollard, executive director, community and public relations with Mercy Northwest Arkansas, has helped raise awareness of the pandemic by providing critical messaging to educate, protect and support our communities across the region. Pollard has developed resources and sends daily communications with up-todate COVID-19 numbers in her role as liaison between the Northwest Arkansas health care providers.

#MaskUpArkansas Gov. Hutchinson issued a statewide order requiring people to wear face masks in public on July 16, 2020.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) came to Northwest Arkansas in June and July 2020. The CDC’s subsequent report in July documented that 19 percent of all adult cases in NWA were Marshallese, said Pearl McElfish, Ph.D., vice chancellor for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Northwest Regional Campus in Fayetteville. This was despite the fact that Marshallese only account for 2.4 percent of the region’s population, said McElfish, who also oversees the Office of Community Health and Research and serves as director of the Center for Pacific Islander Health at UAMS. COVID-19 deaths in NWA were also disparate across race and ethnicity, she said.

“Pacific Islander deaths per 100,000 were estimated to be 372.4 — much higher than the overall death ratio for

the region, as well as the death ratio for Caucasians of 4.03 per 100,000. Even among racial/ethnic minorities, the Marshallese population in NWA stands out as having much higher odds of death from COVID-19.”

The Northwest Arkansas Council’s Health Care Transformation Division asked the UAMS Northwest campus and Community Clinic to lead the collaborative development and implementation of a Northwest Arkansas COVID-19 Comprehensive Response Plan for Special Populations to address the CDC’s recommendations and to ensure collaboration and multi-agency coordination of COVID-19 testing, contact tracing, enhanced case management and health education, McElfish added. “Since we implemented our collaborative plan for the Marshallese and Latinx community members at the end of July, the proportion

of cases among Marshallese and Latinx community members has steadily declined. It is very rare to see a population impact this quickly, and even more rare to see a steady decline each week,” McElfish said. “There is still much work to be done, but our collaboration is making a difference.”

As a result of the Northwest Arkansas COVID-19 Comprehensive Response Plan for Special Populations, $7 million was secured in funds through the CARES Act, which has allowed UAMS, Community Clinic and community partners to hire about 70 COVID-19 contact tracers and community health navigators, set up a contact tracing center in Northwest Arkansas and set up free testing units, she said.

In a Nov. 11, 2020, statement, Eric Pianalto, president of Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas, expressed concern that with COVID-19 fatigue people will relax the safety practices that help combat the virus.

“It’s difficult not to be able to see our loved ones like we once did but the risk of contracting the virus is too great,” Pianalto said. “Especially for those that are older or with underlying health conditions. We’ve seen hard situations with the COVID-19 patients in our hospitals. Large gatherings just run up the risk of becoming gravely sick or worse.”

Thankfully, the COVID-19 vaccine has made its way to Northwest Arkansas. And the first dose was given by Dr. Sonal Bhakta at Mercy Hospital in Rogers.

Helping Our Health Care Heroes The Annie E. Casey Foundation published detailed reports concerning an increase in the uninsured children in Arkansas prior to the pandemic. More than a third of Arkansans with children in the household (35 percent) reported that they had delayed getting medical care. Did you know that Mercy Hospital never turns anyone away, regardless of his or her ability to pay for services? We are #NWAStrong and working to take care of each other. Many individuals, organizations and businesses have donated funds, goods and services to health care entities during the pandemic. Mercy Health Foundation Northwest Arkansas received $2.9 million in gifts, including $280,000 from the Walmart Foundation, 93,393 hand-sewn and surgical masks for frontline co-workers, 49,025 pieces of PPE for frontline co-workers and 16,125 meals, snacks and beverages from local restaurants and vendors, according to the Mercy Health Foundation Northwest Arkansas 2020 annual report.

Freeman Beauty donated 1 million sheet masks to nurses and health care workers working on the frontlines to honor and celebrate National Nurses Week (May 6-12, 2020). These masks were distributed to hospital systems of all sizes across the country, such as Mercy Health Foundation, New York State Nurses Association, and Memorial Health Care System, to name a few.

"The thousands of Mercy caregivers who serve on our frontlines put our patients first in everything they do,” said Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer, CAO, Mercy and Mercy Health Foundation President. “The generous gift of 500,000 facial sheet masks from Paris Presents,

Inc., blessed these exceptional nurses and physicians with both practical and personal support. On behalf of Mercy Health Foundation and our entire health care ministry, thank you.”

Runway Group and Ropeswing Hospitality Group, in collaboration with multiple food partners throughout Northwest Arkansas, came together in the early days of COVID-19 to prepare meals for Mercy. “As our dining rooms closed to the public, we knew there was still work to be done and hardworking people on the frontlines to be fed,” said Kurt Berman, CEO at Ropeswing Hospitality Group. “We wanted to ensure that the incredible health care providers at Mercy, who have worked tirelessly to save lives in our community had a meal that would nourish their efforts.”Our community has come together and will continue to unite as we tackle this health crisis. Whether it’s meal delivery from our local restaurants or PPE donated from NWA businesses, we will come out of this stronger than ever,” said Susan Peacock, board member of Mercy Health Foundation.

An effort by the Northwest Arkansas Council supported by several local business and philanthropic partners provided much needed aid to health care entities across the region impacted by COVID-19, according to NWA Council’s 2019-20 annual report.

Combined financial and in-kind donations exceed $3 million from the Blue and You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas, J.B. Hunt, RevUnit, Walmart Foundation and Walton Family Foundation to support health care organizations in Northwest Arkansas in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas physician Dr. Sonal Bhakta gives Dr. Jason McKinney the first COVID-19 vaccine in Northwest Arkansas

“I feel very privileged to be the first person to get the vaccine.

That’s not only because I’m in a high-risk group as a health care provider taking care of COVID-19 patients every day. It’s because I want to set an example, to show the community that this vaccine is very safe and very effective. This is not a vaccine we are required to take. It’s a vaccine we want to take so we can begin to turn the corner in this pandemic. What the vaccine is giving health care workers is hope. Honestly, I think morale on the COVID floor is the best that it’s been in a long time. Relief is coming because of this vaccine, and we all feel it. It’s been an emotional day, but it’s been a blessed day.”

- Dr. Jason M. McKinney

How can you help?

COVID-19 Doctors at Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas

Dr. Sharkey, Fayetteville’s City Health Officer, suggests donating blood to the Blood Center of the Ozarks, which provides all of the blood products to our local hospitals. She added that individuals who have had and recovered from COVID-19 can also donate plasma. And don’t forget to practice the Arkansas Department of Health’s 3 W’s: Wear a mask; Wash your hands; Watch your distance.

HELPING THE HUNGRY IN NORTHWEST ARKANSAS

Food Insecurity Escalated by Crisis Did you know nearly half of all American families are living with hunger, and the situation is even worse for Latino and Black families, according to nonprofit organization No Kid Hungry. In fact, Benton and Washington counties are ranked second and third in Arkansas as counties with the highest number of persons living in poverty. Twenty-five percent of elderly residents in Arkansas are at risk of facing hunger, which is way above the national average of 16 percent.

Martha Newman with Samaritan Community Center

Perhaps the most troubling numbers are that 1 in 5 children face hunger or food insecurity regularly. We are raising our next generation of great leaders in Arkansas, and many of them don’t know where their next meal will come from. “Families across Arkansas are struggling with paying their bills, putting food on the table and balancing their physical and mental health,” said Rich Huddleston, executive director of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families (AACF), Arkansas’ member of the national KIDS COUNT network.

Everyone seemed to be dealing with food insecurity on some level in March 2020. However, food insecurity was an issue in Northwest Arkansas long before COVID-19 struck, and many people are still dealing with hunger months later. Due to the effects of the pandemic, more than 50 million Americans may experience food insecurity in 2020, including a potential 17 million children, according to the Feeding America website.

More than 35 million people in the United States struggled with hunger in 2019. According to a Feeding America report updated in October 2020, did you know Arkansas has the second highest rate of projected food insecurity for 2020?

In Northwest Arkansas, there are more than 65,000 men, women, senior citizens and children that face hunger every day, according to the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank. Along with working closely with Feeding America, local and state officials, and the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank coordinates directly with schools to eliminate any duplication of services to ensure an efficient and collaborative response to any food insecurity across Northwest Arkansas. Every dollar donated to the NWA Food Bank can provide up to 10 meals, and all donations stay local. But it’s not just the food banks that are helping feed those in need. We have so many hospitality heroes.

Feed the 479, a nonprofit, full service, client-choice pantry, has experienced a significant increase in usage since the pandemic. Feed the 479, which is part of the Compassion Center of Northwest Arkansas, serves the food insecure by sharing a dignified shopping experience where clients make the choice of what foods to take home with them based on diet, medical or personal preferences, said Eric Vaughan, executive director of Compassion Center of Northwest Arkansas. The pantry is open Monday through Thursday and partners with multiple companies and organizations, including the Walmart Foundation and NWA Food Bank.

Shopping at Feed the 479, a nonprofit, client-choice pantry

“The pandemic is something no one could have predicted and has caused many organizations and pantries to limit service or shut down completely. Feed The 479 made the decision very early in the outbreak (March 16, 2020) to continue to serve at full capacity with some adjustments for health and safety as a frontline and essential service,” Vaughan said. “Along the way, we have continued to tweak our health and safety policies and adapt to the ever-changing pandemic while experiencing a 132 percent increase in client usage.” Current clients have found themselves in dire need, and Feed the 479 has had a significant number of new clients who have never had to use a pantry before, Vaughan said. You can help Feed the 479 by donating funds or by volunteering at the pantry. For more details, visit www.compassionnwa.com/feedthe479.

The Samaritan Community Center has also seen a massive increase in clients since the pandemic began. The Samaritan Community Center (SCC) serves the hurting and hungry of Northwest Arkansas with dignity and compassion. The nonprofit’s biggest programs are SnackPacks for Kids; BackPacks for Kids; and Samaritan Café, which serves free hot and healthy meals in its drive-thru food service to the general public in both the Rogers and Springdale centers.

The Samaritan Community Center has seen a 437 percent increase in new clients since March 20, 2020.

Debbie Rambo, SCC executive director, said people who face food insecurity are primarily families who are working in lower paying jobs and often have to choose between purchasing food or paying rent and utilities.

“The pandemic has only exacerbated this issue with more families facing income loss due to layoffs, illness or both,” she added. The center has fed thousands of Northwest Arkansas families throughout the last year.

In September 2020, they served almost 500 new families. That means, 7,868 warm and healthy meals served and nearly 2,000 families received groceries.

The community center has joined with other nonprofit organizations and churches across Northwest Arkansas to help families in need during the crisis to ensure that no one has to go to bed hungry at night. To help, you can purchase food online through Samaritan Community Center’s Walmart Registry for Good and of course, volunteers are always needed. For more details on the different ways to give, visit www.samcc.org.

Grassroots & Great Companies Aside from our great local nonprofits that are working hard to fight food insecurity, many larger supplier companies have continued to fill in the gaps. One of those companies deserving big recognition is Unilever – which created the United for America initiative. The movement, #UnitedforAmerica, delivered food, medical supplies, hygiene and cleaning products, and other critical supplies to our nation’s aid organizations on the frontline. As part of the program, Unilever delivered a nutritious packed lunch to nearly 11,000 food bank employees at 200 locations across the U.S., including our local Northwest Arkansas Food Bank and Mercy Health Foundation Northwest Arkansas.

Another Unilever company, Knorr Foods, didn’t want any family to go hungry or unheard during election season as they launched their own #FeedtheVote campaign. Knorr believes nutritious meals should be a right for everyone in America — not a privilege for some. While food pantries have always been on the frontline of fighting hunger, there’s a more effective place to make change: the ballot box. Tragically, the very communities that experience food insecurity are also chronically under-registered. Knorr partnered with UnidosUS and Feeding America to offer families free, healthy meals and the opportunity to register to vote.

When the world is in a crisis pandemic and our nation’s forests are ravaged with fire, leave it to AnheuserBusch to donate 1.5 million cans of clean emergency drinking water to volunteer fire departments across the country in 2020 as they navigated unprecedented challenges. Anheuser-Busch has long-standing commitment to supporting communities in times of need by providing emergency drinking water and supplies for relief efforts. Every year, the brewer periodically pauses beer production at their Cartersville, Georgia, and Fort Collins, Colorado, breweries to can clean, safe drinking water to be ready to help communities in times of disaster through their partnerships with the American Red Cross and the National Volunteer Fire Council. Since 1988, Anheuser-Busch and their wholesale partners have donated more than 83 million cans of emergency drinking water to communities impacted by natural disasters and other crises.

Tyson's Hunger Heroes When it comes to talking food, we’re so lucky to have one of the world’s largest food companies and a recognized leader in protein in Northwest Arkansas. Not everyone knows what real hunger looks like. But, it exists in every state, city and community in the U.S. At Tyson Foods, addressing hunger is a priority.

The company works diligently to get food to those in need and provide support to the people who work tirelessly to end hunger every day.

Tyson Foods, Inc., has donated more food over the past year than ever in its 85-year history, the company reported in September 2020. More than 30 million pounds, or the equivalent of 120 million meals, were donated by the company to fight hunger. The food donations were part of more than $75 million the company invested to fulfill its commitment to address hunger insecurity, support its team members and improve the quality of life in the communities where it operates.

The company’s COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund distributed grants and food donations to nonprofit organizations working to help people in plant communities across the U.S. The company has also provided $6 million in financial assistance through its Helping Hands program directly to team members in need during the pandemic.

“Our company is proud to play a critical role in feeding the nation during this challenging time, and we recognize the importance of supporting our team members, their families and our plant communities,” said John R. Tyson, chief sustainability officer, Tyson Foods. “We’ve focused resources where we can generate the most impact and support organizations doing heroic work at the local level.”

Once COVID-19 hit Northwest Arkansas, Brightwater joined forces with Ropeswing Hospitality Group to partner with Tyson Foods to assist by feeding health care workers at hospitals throughout the area. “We prepped daily balanced meals to feed about 600 people per day for nearly eight weeks,” said Vince Pianalto, chef and Brightwater instructor. “Chef Mack Epps oversaw the ordering, menus and execution of the meals, while myself, and other instructors and staff at the school volunteered to help out. Tyson Foods was very instrumental in everything, by donating a lot of protein while we were getting produce and goods from various farms. It was truly a team effort getting this all done. We also provided meals to our NWACC food pantry where we made ready-to-heat meals for about 100 students a week. When all was said and done, from March 31 to June 13, 2020, there were more than 39,000 meals prepared.

TEACHING AND LEADING DURING A PANDEMIC

Supporting Our Students Our school-aged children have seen the biggest changes in their education, whether attending school in person or through remote learning. Wearing masks, taking temperatures, no socialization outside those in your immediate classroom are just a few of the new guidelines. Teachers have had to pivot and provide online learning while teaching those in the classroom.

It’s been a learning curve for everyone.

Rogers Public Schools teacher Amy Christian works with her third grade students at Fairview Elementary School (Jason Ivester/Rogers Public Schools)

If ever there was controversy over how to best educate our children, it reached a boiling point in March 2020. Parents everywhere realized the value we put on those in education could never be high enough. It has been a make or break moment for the future of education.

Navigating the rights, responsibilities and returning to the classroom safely amidst the COVID-19 crisis is a team effort.

When it comes to early childhood development, The Goddard School is one to watch. The biggest question of working parents with young children is should kids return to inperson learning. The Goddard School is a leading childcare provider in the U.S. and created a 15-part series “Parenting Under Five” to offer expert advice and findings from the Yale School of Medicine with practical tips for parents to keep their children safe while continuing vital early childhood education.

The “Parenting Under Five” objective is to extend Goddard’s access to health and well-being medical experts and education professionals with deep knowledge in early childhood development in an effort to help answer parents’ pressing questions like the correlation between children going to preschool and incidence of transmission, and what long-term impact missing preschool could have on a child.

Goddard Schools across the country have enhanced their health and safety guidelines since the onset of the pandemic. This includes Brooks Coatney, owner of The Goddard School in Fayetteville and part-owner of The Goddard School in Rogers, who purchased a Halo Disinfection System previous to the arrival of COVID-19. Because of strict guidelines and an amazing staff at our local Goddard Schools, parents have been able to have access to childcare without skipping a beat.

The Sunshine School and Development Center has been serving Northwest Arkansas for more than 60 years. Sunshine School offers preschool enrichment programs for typically developing children ages three to five. However, the Sunshine School caters to individuals in the Northwest Arkansas community of ALL ages with developmental delays. The motto is helping individuals reach their full potential and they do just that. The school’s services are so sought after that in 2007 it moved to the current 40,000-squarefoot facility in Vaughn where over 500 people a year are helped.

St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School students, Chace Yokley and Emily Sanders

For families needing a trauma-informed academic environment, Hope Academy of Northwest Arkansas provides students with a safe, positive learning condition. The school is available for children who have experienced consistent and pervasive trauma.

Hope Academy is an expansion of the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter, but it’s not just for the residents of the shelter. At Hope Academy, trauma is defined as “detrimental events that have occurred in a child’s life that significantly impact the child’s ability to cognitively and behaviorally function in a classroom setting.” The curriculum meets the unique social and emotional needs of children and is open to kindergarten through third grade students for the 2020-21 school year with a student to teacher ratio of 10:1 with two paraprofessionals in each classroom.

In Arkansas, nearly 46 percent of homes don’t have an adequate internet connection and some 32 percent are without adequate devices, according to a report by Boston Consulting Group and nonprofit organization Common Sense. As of 2020, Arkansas is one of the top five states with the largest digital divide in the nation. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), more than 12 million children in the U.S. receive free or reduced-price breakfast at school, and more than 29.7 million receive lunches through the national school lunch program. For many, school meals are the only consistent food children get in a day, and when the school year ends, so do school meals. Our public schools know this reality all too well. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted families’ lives in so many ways – from accessing education to challenges with income loss, food insecurity and mental health; but the Rogers Public Schools staff has come together to meet the needs of students in every way possible. “Our Child Nutrition staff quickly stepped up to provide food – no matter what the circumstances,” says Ashley Siwiec, communications director for Rogers Public Schools. “During the 2020 Spring building closures, they provided meals to pick up at numerous locations. In the new school year, they continue to prepare meals for virtual students to pick up daily. In the school building, they re-designed their menus and serving methods to provide breakfast and lunch safely in a contactless, grab-and-go style.

Families have been greatly relieved that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is providing the funds so that meals are free to all students for the whole school year.”

Like many schools, the Rogers School District has been able to offer families different learning options so they can access a great education for their children in a way that best meets their families’ needs. “For about 80 percent of families, the ‘blended learning’ model combines in-person instruction with online collaboration, instructional videos and assignments in Google Classroom,” Siwiec says. “Rogers geared up for this unique school year by equipping all teachers with laptops so they can pivot from teaching in the school building to remote instruction as needed. Students use Chromebooks to manage their schoolwork.”

“The needs are great in any school year but even more challenges have developed in the area of health and safety during a pandemic. Businesses and nonprofits have supported the schools by donating personal protective equipment, hand sanitizer and masks.

Thanks to financial donations to the Rogers Public Education Foundation to round out the district's inventory, Chromebooks are available for every student in the district.”

While our public schools in Northwest Arkansas are doing a great job, many parents opt for a private school education, especially during the unknowns of the pandemic. St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School (SVdP) in Rogers already had practice with teaching virtually because in the Spring of 2020 when all Arkansas schools had to move to Alternative Method of Instruction (AMI), SVdP teachers immediately pivoted to virtual instruction with their classes.

“Our teachers continued to teach new material and had daily Zooms or Google Meets with all of their students,” says Principal Alice Stautzenberger. “We even continued to have Music, Art, PE, Technology and Library classes throughout the Spring. We planned ahead over the Summer and added iWave air purifiers to our HVAC systems, many additional sinks to our building and Clorox hand sanitizing stations throughout the building. We are blessed to have two school nurses that oversee all of our health and safety procedures. We already had Chromebooks for all of our third-eighth grade students and were able to purchase additional Chromebooks for second graders, and move the cart of iPads to be used exclusively with first grade students. We are prepared to pivot to virtual learning whenever necessary.”

Principal Stautzenberger added, “The teachers are also traveling from classroom to classroom, so the students aren't switching rooms. They have had to be very adaptable and are rising to the challenges and doing a fantastic job. The students adjusted to our new mask-wearing routines quickly and our parents have been very supportive of all of our new safety measures.

We ask questions and do temperature checks before any students enter the building each day.”

St. Joseph Catholic School in Fayetteville has steadily increased enrollment each year since 2016, and, despite the pandemic concerns, had its single biggest increase in the 2020-21 school year. “This year we have matched our highest enrollment total of the past 15 years,” says Principal Jason Pohlmeier.

“We started this school year with 50 students learning remotely. It has always been our approach that if a

Taylor Norris, a Rogers High School honor student, partnered with Spay Arkansas to create a pet food pantry

family wanted to make a switch from virtual to inperson either way, we would work with them to do so. Each week of the first quarter, we had at least one family return to in-person learning and when students needed to quarantine, we easily transitioned them to remote learning as needed.”

Principal Pohlmeier says, “A significant aspect of our success this year has been communication and transparency. We did not have any positive COVID-19 cases until November 2020. As our positive cases did arise, we continuously updated our whole school community about what was happening and who was affected while maintaining the confidentiality of students and their families. The feedback from parents about our communication has been extremely positive.”

“Perhaps the most important aspect of our success this year are the skills and flexibility of our teachers and staff. Our students have done a remarkable job adjusting to the new learning environment; they completely take in stride that their classroom now includes a webcam and students on Zoom. They adjust quickly when they have to switch back and forth between in-person and remote. It is clear that the most important thing for them is to be together in as normal a way as possible. If masks are what it takes to be together, they can handle it.”

When it comes to higher education, the NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) provides quality and affordable higher education to empower lives and strengthen communities within Northwest Arkansas and the surrounding areas. NWACC offers a full range of certificates and associate degrees that can lead to careers in business, computer science, art, communications, culinary, nursing, paramedic, engineering, criminal justice and more. With over 55 degrees and certificates, as an NWACC student you can choose your own path. Your journey may include earning a certificate in only a few months, pursuing a two-year degree in a high-demand trade or taking core courses that transfer to a four-year university.

SPSFBC graduate Rosey Salinas and son Lukas

Probably no one saw the benefits of having a degree more than the clients of Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Benton County (SPSFBC) during the pandemic. Many single parents lost jobs or had to quit jobs in order to stay home with their kids when everything shut down last March. When daycare and schools were closed, there wasn’t another option for many single parents. Food expenses were increasing because kids were home and many parents didn’t have technology or equipment to even participate in online school, along with their kids. From March to July 2020, SPSFBC raised funds to give an extra $54,000 to more than 100 scholarship recipients, helping to pay for school needs, technology, internet, printers, etc.

“Our students found it so much more important to finish school and get their degrees when the pandemic hit,” says Frankie Rankin, director of philanthropy at Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Benton County. “It gave them that extra drive to get through school because the service jobs and hourly employees were the first ones to lose work so they saw the importance of education, firsthand.”

Single Parent served 163 single parents and their 315 children in 2020. And in February 2020, SPSFBC started a credential program – there’s a need for skilled workers in the community. Our students can earn wages to get them out of poverty, and within about six months, they can become certified dental assistants, medical assistants, IT programmers (computer tech), etc. “Our clients’ average salary is about $11,000 a year when they come in and when they leave, they average $45,000 a year,” Rankin says. “Supportive services, including counseling, are a huge part of what we do, so when our offices closed last March and families couldn’t come get supplies from our food pantry like laundry detergent (food stamps don’t cover everything) we did donation drives to help out.”

Education is the process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, beliefs, and habits. And if anything, we’ve all learned a lot throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

One thing to always remember is that while there are so many top-notch schools and educational resources in Northwest Arkansas, there’s still dozens more that need your help.

Keep educating yourself about the needs because they’re great.

NOVEMBER

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Virtual Sunshine Gala | Sunshine School & Development Center Joe and Natalie Wilson with their son Thomas

Big Night Gala The Jones Center

www.thejonescenter.net

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Art of Hospice

Circle of Life Hospice www.nwacircleoflife.com

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Light of Hope Luncheon

CASA of Northwest Arkansas www.nwacasa.org

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National Philanthropy Day Luncheon Association of Fundraising Professionals community.afpnet.org/ afparnorthwestchapter/home

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Light of Hope Breakfast

CASA of Northwest Arkansas www.nwacasa.org

19 to 20

NWA Boutique Show www.nwaboutiqueshow.com

20

Girls on the Run of Northwest Arkansas 5K Girls on the Run of Northwest Arkansas

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www.gotrnwa.org

Turkey Trot for Heroes

Sheep Dog Impact Assistance www.sheepdogia.org

tbd

mark your calendar

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Tails of Love Preview Party Humane Society of the Ozarks www.hsozarks.org

tbd

Aiming for Zero Project Zero

www.theprojectzero.org

tbd

Sunshine Gala

Sunshine School & Development Center www.nwasunshineschool.org

DECEMBER

Pictures with Santa | One Uptown Chace and Crew Yokley

Pictures with Santa St. Joseph Catholic School Winston and Willa Zanoff

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Mercy Health Foundation Northwest Arkansas

The Peel Compton Foundation

O’ Night Divine Charity Ball

Christmas at the Mansion www.peelcompton.org

www.mercyhealthfoundation.net/nwa

tbd

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Jingle Bell Jog 5K & Children’s Fun Run

Burlsworth Trophy Luncheon

The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation

Botanical Garden of the Ozarks

www.burlsworthtrophy.com

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www.bgozarks.org

Distribution Day

tbd

www.sharingandcaringkids.com

www.amtrainrides.com

Sharing & Caring of Benton County

Children's Christmas Train

mark your calendar

WHO WHAT WHERE

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2019 O' Night Divine Charity Ball Mercy Health Foundation Northwest Arkansas Shelley and Doug McMillon

Creative.

Inspired.

Design.

128 N. 13th St. Rogers, Arkansas 479.636.0118 shirleysflowersinc.com

PLAN YOUR NEXT MOVE

WITHOUT MOVING AN INCH Download the new KW App KAYLA HUEBNER | REALTOR®

479.841.9099 kaylahuebner@kw.com App: app.kw.com/KW2CEMN5L or scan

Thank You Marjorie Marugg-Wolfe Sustainability Campaign Donors!

Thank you to our donors that recognize the opportunities that education can provide to single parents and their children. Their support enables a generational impact and helps break the cycle of poverty in our community.

Aaron & Tabatha Divine AMP Sign & Banner Andrea Milton Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund Arvest Foundation Billy & Shannon Campbell Brent & Shelle Summers Brian & Amy Wood Brian & Cheryl Yarbrough Brian & Twyla Rownak Brittney Duke Brooka McCubbin Chris & Jamie Sohosky Chris & Wendy Sooter Christine Lebert Craig & Amanda Overton Danny & Mary Schneider David & Stacy Ortiz Debbie Miller Denton & Cathy Seilhan Diana Betz Dolores White Duke Family Foundation Greenwood Gearhart, Inc. Hank & Christine Schepers Howard & Elaine Kerr Illinois Tool Works Foundation Jack & Sue Eaton Jeff & Renee Hutton Jim & Mona Harvey Jim & Susan von Gremp

John & Stephanie Meyer Juan & Krystle Goodwin Gonzalez Lori Walker Matthew & Katlyn Taylor Michael & Felicia McCranie Nathan & Lauren Willis Paul & Gayla Wilson Paula Vance Jenkins Pete & Frankie Rankin Randy & Karen Parker Rebecca Riley Rodney & Arlene Alford Rotary Club of Bentonville Ryan & Mary Heman Shawn & Christina Taylor Steve & Marilyn Brown Taylor Family Revocable Trust The Clarence H. and Rebecca A. Archer Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust The Soderquist Family Tina Winham Todd & Andrea Kitchen TPN Retail Wade & Barb Smith Walmart Foundation Walton Family Foundation WSS Cherokee Casino & Hotel

SERVING NWA FOR OVER 60 YEARS! Developing and enriching the lives of individuals and families through therapy, education and support.

"WOW! The staff is amazing and very qualified. You enter an atmosphere of love, caring, and true commitment when you walk into these classrooms.

I would highly recommend this school to anyone and everyone. Impressive!"

- Kimberly B.

A passionate network of women who support Circle of Life through advocacy, volunteerism and philanthropy.

Membership fees are used to fulfill end of life needs for hospice patients and their families.

*Donors as of 10/1/20

“WE’RE NOT JUST GIVING SCHOLARSHIPS, LIVES ARE BEING CHANGED.”

MARJORIE MARUGGWOLFE SPSFBC FOUNDER

spsfbc.org 479.254.8550

479-636-3190 3400 Woods Lane Rogers, AR 72756

nwaSunshineSchool.org

TO JOIN AS A MEMBER VISIT

www.AngelsPayingitForward.org

Thank You! The outpouring of support we have received from our Northwest Arkansas community has simply been incredible. Your thoughts and prayers throughout this time have brought great strength and encouragement to our teams on the front lines.

17th Annual Heather Ridley Fleeman Battle for Hope 10K - 5K Run/Walk May 1, 2021

We provide compassionate, professional cancer support and education in the Northwest Arkansas region today and tomorrow.

18th Annual Bill Fleeman Gentlemen of Distinction October 8, 2021

mercyhealthfoundation.net/NWA 479.338.2990

5835 West Sunset Avenue Springdale, AR 72762 479.361.5847

2021 PROGRAMS Spring/Summer Basketball Gridiron Football League

Providing support and resources that help keep families close.

Basketball Leagues (boys and girls) Skills Training (year-round)

PERSONAL TRAINING Personalized one-on-one or small group training: www.aaoteam.org/individualtraining

Wish List

Summer Camps

Help keep our home a happy one. Items needed include: cleaning products, laundry detergents, and packaged snacks.

HOW TO SUPPORT AAO Volunteer Sponsor our scholarship program Coach In kind product donations

UPCOMING FUNDRAISERS AAO/NWA Shoot-A-Thon (Feb-Mar) Casino Night (TBD) Corporate Games (TBD)

BUILDING

Rogers Grand Opening Events (TBD)

BRIGHT

NEW AAO PROGRAMS

FUTURES rogerspef.com

Futsal / Lacrosse / Football / Soccer AAO now has TWO state of the art facilities in Rogers and Fayetteville.

Email John to request a tour! john@aaoteam.org

AAOTEAM.ORG

Sharing a meal with families helps them spend more time together and less time making dinner plans.

Share-A-Meal

Contact John Branca at 479-659-2452 to discuss other ways to get involved!

Visit rmhcofarkoma.org to get connected!

Donate Today!

The foundation is proud to support the following Arkansas organizations: Alzheimer's Arkansas American Cancer Society Arkansas Children's Foundation Arkansas Food Bank Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation Arts Center of the Ozarks Audrey Harris Vision Big Brothers Big Sisters of NWA Botanical Garden of the Ozarks Camp Aldersgate Centers for Youth and Families Children's Safety Center Circle of Life Hospice Community Creative Center Community Food Bank of Eastern OK Compassion House Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Dress for Success Northwest Arkansas EOA Children's House Every Arkansan, Inc. Fayetteville Junior Civic League Fayetteville Public Education Foundation Fayetteville Senior Center Fayetteville Student MTB Friends of the Farmington Library Girls on the Run Habitat for Humanity of Washington County Hope Cancer Resources John Brown University Life Styles, Inc. M&N Augustine Foundation Mercy Health Foundation Miller McNeil Woodruff Foundation The Momentary NWA Council Foundation NWA Food Bank NWA Gives NWACC Foundation Open Avenues Pagnozzi Parker Charities Pure Charity Inc. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkoma The Salvation Army Samaritan Community Center Scott Family Amazeum Spring Creek Fellowship Springdale Public Education Foundation Springdale Senior Center Susan G. Komen Ozark Affiliate Sunshine School & Development Center University of Arkansas University of Central Arkansas Foundation University of the Ozarks Walker Elementary School WelcomeHealth Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences P.O. Box 10500 Fayetteville, AR 72703 479.582.2310 info@walkerfoundation.org

Make a

Big Impact on the future of Circle of Life.

Don and Sarah Kendall invite you to join them as distinguished members of our Legacy Society. When you include Circle of Life in your estate plan, your generosity provides award-winning, compassionate end-of-life care for Northwest Arkansas.

Thank you for ensuring Circle of Life can be there for our patients and their families when they need it most well into the future.

EVERY

90 MINUTES SOMEONE IS DIAGNOSED WITH OR DIES FROM

ALS

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH ALS. HELP CREATE A WORLD WITHOUT ALS BY GETTING INVOLVED IN THE WAY THAT BEST SUITS YOU! WHEN YOU FUNDRAISE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY, YOU TAKE US CLOSER TO DISCOVERING A CURE.

www.nwacircleoflife.myplannedgift.org

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT WWW.ALS-ARKANSAS.ORG OR CALL (479) 621-8700

Two Locations

Uptown Fayetteville 637 E. Joyce Blvd. | 479.966.4186 Pinnacle Promenade in Rogers 4204 W. Green Acres Rd. | 479.903.7030

BLISSCUPCAKECAFE.COM

Two Locations Fayetteville 1733 N Crossover Rd Fayetteville, AR 479-582-3647

Bentonville 102 SW DogWatch Ave Bentonville, AR 479-464-9364 www.dogwatchonline.com

DOG TRAINING - GROOMING - RETAIL - WEIMARANER RESCUE

479 Sales & Marketing

Your Local Omni-Channel Team in Bentonville Providing sales & analytics support to help you succeed in the physical and digital space at Walmart and Sam’s Club. We are a full-service agency working alongside your team to put you in the best position to win and grow at retail.

CONTACT US TODAY‌ 902 SE 5th Street, Suite #28 | Bentonville, AR 72712 Phone: (479) 464-9953 | www.479Sales.com

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