AT OUR BEST

Festival fetches record funds

Dress for success launches in area

The Walton Arts Center kicked off its record breaking Art of Wine Festival fundraiser with the Winemaker’s Dinner on June 13 on the center’s main stage.

The menu was a blend of wines from William Hill Winery, culinary creations from William Lyle, Ella’s Restaurant executive chef, and a chocolate grand finalefrom Steve Genzoli, Ghirardelli chocolatier.

Some 1,000 people attended the 13th annual festival, which consisted of the dinner, an Uncorked! Wine Tasting and Premier Tasting, and helped the arts center rake in a record $150,000 to go toward center programs.

Among those wining and dining for the arts were Billie Starr, Sara and Kent Starr, Kim and Paul Crawford, Kathy and Joe Farnan, Laura and Craig Underwood, Denise and Hershey Garner, Cynthia Coughlin, Mary Ann and Reed Greenwood, Terrye and Patric Brosh, Taruna and Scott Bolding, Kristen and Rich Kley and Sheri Rothwell and Woody Bassett.

Dress for Success Northwest Arkansas celebrated its launch Monday evening with supporters of the nonprofit organization at a cocktail reception at Tavola Trattoria in Bentonville.

The organization helps women in need who are entering or returning to the workforce with professional attire, career development and a network of support.

The new affiliate welcomed Joi Gordon, chief executive of Dress for Success Worldwide, who told those gathered that helping women get gainful employment “is not a women’s issue. It’s a community issue.”

Reception guests ponied up some $10,000, and the group got another boost of $25,000 Tuesday from the Walmart Foundation.

Those supporting others getting suited for success included Krischelle Tennessen, Jane Behrends, Karina Baril, Karen Parker, Dartt Schoonmaker, Lynn Schuvie and Jay Allen.

LPGA professional golfers here for the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G and amateur golfers gathered at the Tuesday evening Pairings Party at the John Q. Hammons Center for the revealing of team pairings for the Pro-Am tournament played Wednesday and Thursday.

Ams getting paired with their pros included Mike Duke, Jeff Schomburger, Duncan McNaughton, Jack Sinclair, Eric Scott, Scott Tassani, Scott Salmon, Tim Marrin, Mike Russell and Rick Sorrell.

Charities benefiting, to the tune of $135,000 in donations throughout the tournament week, included The Cancer Challenge, the Benton County and Washington County Boys & Girls Clubs, the Mercy Foundation and the South Central Golf Association. The Walmart Foundation also made a $475,000 grant to Dress for Success Worldwide to fund 15 career centers around the country.

Columnist Carin Schoppmeyer can be reached by email at [email protected].

Northwest Profile, Pages 35 on 06/23/2013

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