Littles get Big benefit

All shades of stray benefit from fundraiser

Pat Sweeden (from left), Susan Overgaard, Kelee Overgaard, Judy Thorpe, B.J. Dennis, Teri Round, Tara Lawson and Suzanne McKown, as “Shades of Artists Past,” attend the Mad Hatter Ball on Oct. 23 at the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs.
Pat Sweeden (from left), Susan Overgaard, Kelee Overgaard, Judy Thorpe, B.J. Dennis, Teri Round, Tara Lawson and Suzanne McKown, as “Shades of Artists Past,” attend the Mad Hatter Ball on Oct. 23 at the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs.

The Mad Hatters Ball on Oct. 23 to benefit the Eureka Springs School of the Arts drew Bad Hatters, Shades of Artists Past, tequila shaman and other madly hatted characters to the 13th annual hat-required benefit. Guests at the nonprofit group's largest fundraiser at the 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa in Eureka Springs enjoyed a taco bar, hat contest and live music from Ultra Suede.

The arts school for adults features workshops in a number of media, including wood, metalwork, two-dimensional, fiber arts and clay and glass. The school's mission is "to cultivate, promote and encourage artistic expression by providing art education opportunities in a unique environment of beauty and creativity."

At a Glance

Mad Hatters Ball

Who: Eureka Springs School of the Arts

What: Guests made the most of their millinery talents for the at the 13th annual fundraiser.

When: Oct. 23

Where: 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa in Eureka Springs

Next: Eureka Springs Plein Air Festival, May 22-26, 2016

Information: (479) 253-5384 or essa-art.org

The Big Event

Who: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas

What: The annual benefit set attending and fundraising totals, with approximately 280 guests helping the nonprofit mentoring organization raise some $140,000.

When: Oct. 29

Where: The Barn at the Springs in Springdale

Next: Insider’s Business Brunch, February 2016

Information: (479) 966-4366 or bbbsnwa.org

Fifty Shades of Stray

Who: Animal League of Washington County

What: The nonprofit organization helps support needs of the Lester C. Howick Washington County Animal Shelter.

When: Oct. 29

Where: Pratt Place Barn in Fayetteville

Next:

Information: (479) 263-7058 or animalleagueofwashi…

Those making merry and the most of millinery talents for the Halloween season included Shelly and Paige Morris, Lizelle and Harold Dawson, Dann Richardson, Todd Paden, Diane Zytkus, Melissa Evans, Jim Holt and Steve Holifield.

The Big Event on Oct. 29 at the Barn at the Springs in Springdale helped Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas set attendance and fundraising records, with approximately 280 guests helping the nonprofit mentoring organization raise some $140,000. The figures more than doubled last year's totals.

Nearly 250 Northwest Arkansas children ages 6 through 18 -- "Littles" -- are currently matched with adult volunteers, "Bigs." After going through a background check and interview process, Bigs spend a few hours a month with their Littles, doing ordinary things like playing sports, reading, hiking or just having pizza.

Sarah Heimer, executive director, tells me there is always a need for adult volunteers to be Bigs, as demonstrated by a waiting list of 40 kids to be matched.

Keep an eye out for the organization's Insiders' Business Brunch in February 2016.

Those backing Bigs and Littles included Kirsten Sweaney and Bob Burns, event co-hosts, Jane and William Douglas, Jeff Smith, Kathy and Joe Farnan, Latriece Watkins, Kathy Casey, Zach Swanson, Chuck Arnold, Jennifer Cain, Dan Brody, Kelli and Patrick McBride, Barbara and Shawn Baldwin, Randy Ornstein and John Tomescko.

Fifty Shades of Stray that same evening at Pratt Place Barn in Fayetteville brought in some $15,000 for the Animal League of Washington County. The nonprofit group helps support needs of the Lester C. Howick Washington County Animal Shelter and other organizations.

Two of the largest supported programs are the medical rehabilitation fund and out-of-state rescue transport.

Medical needs for animals brought to the shelter have included treatments for injuries from car accidents, gunshot wounds, hip surgery, kidney stones and eye surgery. Heart worm treatment is the most commonly needed and costs some $800-$1,000 per animal.

Selected dogs from area shelters are transported to out-of-state and adoptive homes approximately every two weeks as part of the Rescue/Transport Program.

The league's Pet Wellness Expo yesterday offered $5 rabies shots, $5 booster shots and $10 micro-chipping for cats and dogs. Plans are in the works to hold another expo in the coming months.

Those helping all shades of strays included Billie Starr, Shannon Arcana, Chadde Platt, Priscilla Kumpe, Carmen and Ron Kumpe, Carmen Nelson, Teddy Cardwell and Candy Clark, Pam and David Parks and Eva Madison and David Pieper.

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

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

NAN Profiles on 11/08/2015

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