Some 450 Horses for Healing backers broke out their cowboy boots June 13 for the 23rd annual Barn Dance at the nonprofit organization's barn and covered arena in Bentonville, an event which brought in approximately $160,000.
Proceeds from the Barn Dance help support scholarships for equine therapy for children with physical, emotional and cognitive disabilities.
At a Glance
Barn Dance
Who: Horses for Healing
What: The annual fundraiser helps the group provide equine therapy for children with special needs.
When: June 13
Where: Horses for Healing in Bentonville
Information: (479) 795-0570 or horsesforhealingnwa…
Moonflowers and Mojitos
Who: Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
What: Guests mingles among the moonflowers in the garden.
When: June 16
Where: The garden in Fayetteville
Next: Summer concert series — Tuesday June 30, “Red, White and Bloom;” Aug. 25, Still on the Hill and Sept. 29, Smokey and the Mirror
Information: (479) 750-2620 or bgozarks.org
Summer Salsa
Who: EOA Children’s House
What: The fundraiser with a latin flair fetched more than $115,000 for the therapeutic preschool.
When: June 19
Where: Fayetteville Town Center
Information: (479) 927-1232
In 2014 the nonprofit organization provided therapeutic riding programs for 406 children with special needs. Of those, 360 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, live music and line dancing, a barbecue dinner and Sponsor a Pony and Sponsor a Child fund drives. The group named Jo and Don Soderquist as its Honorary Cowgirl and Cowboy in recognition of service and leadership.
Those boot scooting at the Barn Dance included Harriet and Glenn Habern, Alyson and Todd Jacobs, Krissi Washburn, Misty and Chris Flynt, Cyndy and Ken Hatfield, Debby and Chris Weiser, Glenn Wernke, Jana Hemphill, Emmy Werst, Mike Connell and Marcia Wright.
Moonflowers and Mojitos and the occasional mist, sprinkle or downpour were the order of the evening June 16 at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. Guests enjoyed live music from Bill Dollar and the Loose Change and an art show featuring works by Christina Mariotti and Karolyn Farrell.
The garden's summer concert series kicks off at 6 p.m. Tuesday with "Red, White and Blooms" with the Arkansas Winds community concert band providing a patriotic performance. The series continues on Aug. 25 with Still on the Hill and concludes Sept. 29 with Smokey and the Mirror.
Those gathering at the garden included Bill Schwab, Cathy and Clay Bass, Debi Mohler, Ginny Lewis, Sharon Lewis, Carla Spainhour, Janice Stanesic, Rachel Waalkes, Don Farrell, Susan and Brent Robinson, Shannon and Dan Eldridge, Mac Tatman, Phillip McKnight and Ron Cox.
EOA Children's House welcomed supporters to the Fayetteville Town Center on June 19 for the 13th annual Summer Salsa. The fundraiser with a Latin flair fetched more than $115,000 for the therapeutic preschool.
Guests were treated to margaritas, sangria, a taco bar and the second annual Salsa Tasting Competition. Early Bird Catering took top honors for the second year with mango avocado salsa.
The benefit also included live music from Big'uns, a silent auction, photo booth and late night snacks.
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.
Those championing Children's House included Gracie and Mike Ziegler, Courtney and Levon Ogden, Vickie and Michael Lanier, Adela and Mark Smith, Amanda Rials, Kayla Spradling, Sheena Oldenburgh, Allison Ruff, Kathy Crisp, Alicia Dagley, Dena Buford, Crystal Butler and Allison DeJarnette.
For more event photos -- nwadg.com/photos/society
Columnist Carin Schoppmeyer can be reached by email at [email protected].
NAN Profiles on 06/28/2015