The Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas welcomed more than 450 supporters and scholarship recipients for the 13th annual Spark of Hope celebration June 18 at the Fayetteville Town Center.
The event serves as an occasion for the group to celebrate successes and laud supporters, presenting Spark of Hope Awards to:
Spark of Hope
Who: Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas
What: The group celebrated its scholarships and supporters and announced the Pathway to Prosperity endowment campaign at the 13th annual benefit dinner.
When: June 18
Where: Fayetteville Town Center
Information: (479) 935-4888 or [email protected]
Ric Cooper -- Individual Support.
KNWA -- Community Partner.
And the Arkansas Missouri Railroad -- Corporate Support.
This year the charity also announced its Pathway to Prosperity campaign to raise a $3 million endowment. Cathy and Jim Crouch and Diane and Bob Shaw are co-chairmen of the campaign that has already brought in $2.1 million toward its goal. The scholarship fund is entirely supported by donations from individuals, community groups, businesses, churches and foundations.
Carman Bauza, Walmart senior vice president and general merchandise manager of health & wellness and consumables, was the evening's featured speaker.
The fund helps single parents in Carroll, Madison and Washington counties and awards approximately $350,000 in scholarships to 135 recipients. Along with money for school, the group helps recipients with living expenses and provides a mentoring program and other support for recipients and their families through graduation.
Amy Russell, a current scholarship recipient, thanked those gathered.
"Through the help of Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas, I have taken chances, stepped out of my comfort zone and have blossomed for seeking to grow, make goals and learn. I can continue on my journey knowing my dreams are possible, and my kids are witness to that. I hold the spark of hope in my heart that my education is of great value and that my family is worthy of good things. Thank you for giving me such a tremendous gift, I fully intend to pay it forward in everything I do."
For more event photos -- nwadg.com/photos/society.
Columnist Carin Schoppmeyer can be reached by email at [email protected].
NAN Profiles on 07/05/2015