Patrons preview, peruse museum

The 11th annual Red, White and Baby Blue helped raise some $16,000 for the group that aims to help hospitals serve infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) and their families.

Angie Graves, co-founder, shared with supporters the foundation's accomplishments of the past year and announced a new project -- the Jackson L. Graves Healing Garden at Willow Creek. Angie said she and her husband, James, were drawn to the project because Willow Creek does not have a family gathering space, chapel or sibling play room to provide privacy and space for families facing difficult times.

"Our mission includes concepts of peace and healing and hope and comfort. This (the garden) provides all that and more. Families need this," she said.

The work of the foundation in the past year included sponsoring the Audrey Harris Neonatal Conference, its annual Christmas project with Arkansas Children's Hospital and mounted iPads for the sibling room at ACH.

Those backing Red, White and Baby Blue included Mary Beth and Tim Brooks, Jennifer and Landon Matthews, Ashley and Hank Menard, Susan Averitt, Derrick Bobbitt, Carol and Tony Gore, Amanda and Jay Craig, Karmen Brehmer, Julie Vaught, Sarah Varga, Mandy and Rob Lugo, Mitzi and Tim Traxson and Kristin and Lee Evans.

Rogers Little Theater announced a rebranding effort June 30 at the Victory Theatre in Rogers.

Ed McClure, member of theater's board of producers, told theater patrons that the governing boards and creative management committee decided the time is right to "choose a moniker that truly speaks to the inclusiveness, strength and most revolutionary in a well-populated landscape of nonprofits -- the importance of a community theater's transformative role in the lives of those who share in its experience.

"Effective with Season 30 we will be Arkansas Public Theatre. In a nod to our past and the beautiful location in which we reside, our name will include 'At the Victory' and for Season 30 will include 'In Historic Downtown Rogers.'"

The new season will kick off July 24 with Shrek, The Musical.

Those attending in support of APT were Payne Brewer, Bill Herlin, Jim LeFevre, Katy Buck, Ed McClure, Jeff Dunn, Raymond Burns, Rogers Mayor Greg Hines, Brad Reed, Sherman Whites, Ron Hayes, Joe March, Nancy Woods and Ron Sasine.

Scott Family Amazeum patrons were treated to a preview and chance to peruse the new hands-on, interactive children's museum in Bentonville on Thursday evening.

Guests explored the indoor cave, art studio, Hershey's Lab, the 3M Tinkering Studio, Nature Valley Water Amazements, General Mills Lift, Load and Haul, Nickelodeon Play Lab, The Market Sponsored by Wal-Mart, a homestead cabin and farm, climbable tree canopy and the dozens of other opportunities for children to learn through play at exhibits the museum holds.

The preview also included cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and a surprise performance from Kellie Pickler.

Among those gathered at the Amazeum were Linda and Lee Scott, Elda and Eric Scott, Sam Dean, Lynne and Jim Walton, Cyma Zarghami, Mary Zettle, Sue and Charles Redfield, Laura and Greg Fogle, Lilly and Matt Lindsey, Gisel and Mike Ruiz, Molly Rawn, Susan and Jim von Gremp, Lynn and Don Blakeman, Sandy Edwards, Meredith and Patrick Woodruff, Debi and Galen Havner and Corrina and Alan Dranow.

The museum's grand opening will be Wednesday.

For more event photos -- nwadg.com/photos/society.

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

NAN Profiles on 07/12/2015