The Jones Center’s Big Night gala Nov. 7 yielded big returns to the tune of some $220,000, as the nonprofit organization marks its 20th anniversary this year.
A Taste of San Francisco was held at the center in Springdale, which had been transformed to represent some of the best “The City by the Bay” has to offer. The evening began with cocktails in “Golden Gate Park,” followed by a special performance from the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas, San Francisco-inspired dining from Tyson Executive Chef Mario Valdovino, dessert, replete with Ghirardelli chocolates, and shopping in “Union Square.” Menu highlights included clam chowder inspired by Fisherman’s Wharf and Chinatown sweets.
The center presented the Friends of Bernice Jones Award to longtime backer and board member Buddy Wray. Upon accepting the award, Buddy shared with us the pleasure he’s had helping the center and working with others who want it to succeed. “I’ve always had a heart and a love for The Jones Center. I accept this not just for myself, but for this entire board,” he said.
The award has been presented only twice before, first to Don Tyson and then to Pat Walker.
Those enjoying a Big Night with The Jones Center included Buddy and Linda Wray, Pat Walker, Betsy and Loyd Phillips, Ed Clifford, Mande Macke, Ann Jackson, Holly and Jim Breach, Kim and Jay Ellis, Mary and John George, Teresa and Alex Cornett, Kelly Kemp and Ben McLintock, Tareneh and Lance Manning and Nassima and Sharif Omar.
The Northwest Arkansas chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals gave thanks to area philanthropists at the group’s National Philanthropy Day luncheon Nov. 11 at the Embassy Suites in Rogers. The annual event is an opportunity to honor those whose generosity and efforts have contributed to our community.
This year’s Outstanding Philanthropists award went to Lynn and Joel Carver, who were nominated by the Washington Regional Medical Foundation.
Other 2015 honorees were:
• Jeff Koenig — Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser, nominated by Fayetteville Public Education Foundation.
• Missy Darwin Kincaid — Outstanding Fundraising Executive, nominated by the Community Creative Center.
• Hogeye Marathon and Relays — Outstanding Philanthropic Organization, accepted by Tabby Holmes, nominated by Kendrick Fincher Hydration for Life.
• Stella Boyle Smith Trust — Outstanding Foundation, accepted by Michael Mayton, nominated by Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
• Greenwood Gearhart, Inc.
— Outstanding Small Corporation, accepted by Mary Ann Greenwood, nominated by Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
• Mars, Inc. — Outstanding Large Corporation, accepted by Carter Calico, nominated by the Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter.
• Hayley Novich — Individual Youth in Philanthropy, nominated by the Children’s Advocacy Center of Benton County.
• Kappa Delta, Zeta Gamma Chapter — Group Youth in Philanthropy, accepted by Bailey Barnett, nominated by the Children’s Safety Center.
• And David Gearhart
— Lifetime Achievement, accepted by Jane Gearhart, nominated by the University of Arkansas.
The chapter annually seeks awards nominees from the community, and honorees are selected by an anonymous panel of judges.
Happy Thanksgiving!
For more event photos — nwadg.com/photos/society.
Columnist Carin Schoppmeyer can be reached by email at [email protected].
Big Night
Who: The Jones Center What: The Jones Center’s Big Night gala Nov. 7 yielded some big returns for the nonprofit organization to the tune of some $220,000, as the group marks its 20th anniversary this year. When: Nov. 7 Where: The Jones Center in Springdale Next: Annual Skating Christmas Show, Dec. 12 Information: (479) 756-8090 or thejonescenter.net
National
Philanthropy
Day Luncheon
Who: Northwest Arkansas chapter of Fundraising Professionals What: The annual event is an opportunity to honor those whose generosity and efforts have contributed to our community. When: Nov. 11 Where: Embassy Suites in Rogers Information: afpnwark.afpnet.org