Barn dance boosts therapy program

Dinner kicks off festival

The Winemaker's Dinner on June 12 launched the Walton Arts Center's 14th annual Art of Wine Festival.

Scott Kozel, vice president of coastal winemaking for E.&J. Gallo Winery, led guests through a tour of wines paired with a five-course meal prepared by Chef Michael Wilson of Ella's Restaurant in Fayetteville and served on the stage in Baum Walker Hall.

At a Glance

Winemaker’s Dinner

Who: Walton Arts Center

What: The 14th annual Art of Wine Festival yielded more than $135,000 for arts center programs.

When: June 12

Where: Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville

Information: (479)443-5600 or waltonartscenter.org

Barn Dance

Who: Horses for Healing

What: The annual benefit brought in more than $160,000 for the nonprofit organization that provides equine therapy for children with special needs.

When: June 14

Where: Horses for Healing in Vaughn

Information: (479) 795-0570 or horsesforhealingnwa…

The evening's wine menu included Edna Valley Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, MacMurray Estate Vineyards Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir, Ghost Pines Vineyards Chardonnay, Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley Monte Rosso and Louis M. Martini Zinfandel Sonoma Valley Monte Rosso.

More than 1,200 wine tasters attended the three-evening wine festival, which also included the Uncorked: Friday Night Tasting and the Premier Tasting on Saturday. Featured wines at the Saturday event included Opus One, Dom Perignon, Mondavi and Honig.

The dinner and tastings helped the arts center raise more than $135,000 for arts education and other center programs.

Those dining with the winemaker included Kathy and Joe Farnan, Kent and Sara Starr, Kim and Paul Crawford, Kim and Jerry Vest, Marti and Kelly Sudduth and Becky and Bob Alexander.

The Horses for Healing Barn Dance on June 14 welcomed more than 530 supporters for the annual fundraiser who helped the group bring in more than $160,000.

In 2013 the nonprofit organization provided therapeutic riding programs for 370 children with special needs. Of those, 200 children were awarded full scholarships for Horses for Healing equine therapy. The group relies solely on community donations, receiving no federal or state funding, Medicare support or insurance payments.

The evening included live and silent auctions, a barbecue dinner, Sponsor a Pony and Sponsor a Child fund drives. The group named long-time volunteer Leroy Schuetts as its Honorary Cowboy in recognition of his service and leadership.

Those helping Horses for Healing included Harriet and Glenn Habern, Cathy and Billy Towle, Libby and Bart Schaller, Cyndy and Ken Hatfield, Marilyn and Jim Necessary, Laurie and Chris Powers, Jennifer and Mark McWhorter, Lynley and Glenn Wernke and Karen and Randy Parker.

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

NAN Profiles on 06/22/2014

Upcoming Events