EOA Children's House supporters will gather for the group's 13th annual Summer Salsa benefit Friday evening at the Fayetteville Town Center.
"It's a big party, very casual," says Gracie Ziegler, Salsa event chairwoman. "It's a big fiesta to celebrate the year of success we've had -- and raise money, of course.
Summer Salsa
What: Food, drinks, live music, salsa tasting, photo booth
When: 7-11 p.m. Friday
Where: Fayetteville Town Center
Tickets: $75 per person or $800 for a table for eight
Attire: Summer chic
Information: (479) 927-1232 ext, 203 or [email protected]
The nonprofit organization is the largest and one of the first in long-term early child abuse prevention and treatment. The group provides therapeutic daycare for children who have been abused or neglected from 6 weeks old until they start kindergarten. Children are referred there through family courts after they have been placed in foster care, with another relative or are back with their parents. The group began serving infants from 6 weeks in August 2014. Prior to that, the youngest served were 18 months old.
After receiving an initial needs assessment, services available to each child include -- along with preschool education -- physical, occupational and speech therapies, mental health counseling, transportation and meals.
The organization's Pat Walker Center for Children in north Springdale is at full capacity with 95 children. The waiting list is triple the number for occupancy, Ziegler says.
The fundraiser will include a taco bar, live music by Big 'Uns, a silent auction, a photo booth and the second annual NWA Salsa Competition. Ziegler says it's the only such competition in Northwest Arkansas. Local "salsa-preneurs" will serve samples of their salsa, and event guests will to be able purchase tickets to be used to vote for their favorite salsa. Early Bird Catering won the inaugural competition in 2014.
-- CARIN SCHOPPMEYER
NAN Our Town on 06/18/2015