AT OUR BEST

Cowboys exec helps boost Salvation Army

Backers raise glasses, support

Restore Humanity hosted its annual Wine Dinner on April 6 at Bordinos Restaurant and Wine Bar. The always sold-out event welcomed more than 80 guests to enjoy food and wine pairings from Chef Matt Barclay and Robert Neralich and hear updates about the charity’s work in Kenya from founder SarahFennel.

While the group continues to support the 17 children who live at its James Christopher Opot Children’s Center in Kenya as its main focus, Sarah said it is extendingeducational outreach in the village and in partnering with a local clinic to help build a maternity ward. The Restore Humanity Scholars Program saw its first Kenyan student begin attending the University of Arkansas last fall.

Restore Humanity’s Winetopia wine tasting benefit is slated for Oct. 3.

Those raising their glasses and support for Restore Humanity included Tim Mc-Farland, Sheila and Devin Cole, Miriam and Randy Smith, Candra and Leigh Davis, Terrye and Patric Brosh, John Elrod, Jean Ann and Joe Fennel, Eileen and Jeff Schomburger, Debi and Tom Smith, Hannah and Greg Lee, Boo Buchanon and Michelle Fyfe.

Charlotte Jones Anderson, Dallas Cowboys executive vice president and chief brand officer, returned to Arkansas on Tuesday evening to help out the Northwest Arkansas Area Command of the Salvation Army at its inaugural benefit dinner as guest speaker.

Charlotte shared with the some 400 supporters gathered at the Northwest Arkansas Convention Center in Springdale about engineering the relationship between the Dallas Cowboys and the Salvation Army in 1997. The team devotes its Thanksgiving Day game half-time show to the charity, giving it a national audience to launch the National Red Kettle Campaign that goes through the holiday season. The affiliation and exposure has helped raise more than $1.6 billion for the Salvation Army.

The nonprofit organization presented awards to community members who have made a difference for them in the past year.

They were The late Wilbert Barbian - Volunteer of the Year, Tyson Foods - Business Partner of the Year, Dan Skoff - Individual Bell Ringer of the Year and Benton County Sheriff’s Department - Group Bell Ringers of the Year.

Organizers tell me they plan to make the benefit dinner an annual event. Next up for the nonprofit will be a golf tournament fundraiser on June 20.

Those helping fill Salvation Army kettles and coffers included Gen and Frank Broyles, Lauren and Roger Cunningham, John Threet, Bill Meadows, Charlie Sego, Jeff Long, Annetta Young, Pat Bourke, Sherri Johnson and Jim Counce.

AT A GLANCEWine Dinner Who: Restore Humanity What: Supporters enjoyed gourmet dinner with paired wines.

When: April 6 Where: Bordinos Restaurant and Wine Bar in Fayetteville Information: (479) 841-2841 or restorehumanity.orgAn Evening with Charlotte Jones Anderson Who: Salvation Army of Northwest Arkansas What: Charlotte Jones Anderson was the featured speaker at what is planned to become an annual benefit.

When: April 15 Where: Northwest Arkansas Convention Center in Springdale Information: (479) 521-2151 or nwasa.volunteerfirst.orgColumnist Carin Schoppmeyer can be reached by email at [email protected].

Northwest Profile, Pages 35 on 04/20/2014

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