Youth of the Year lauded

Circle members help college students

Jim and Rhonda Woodruff (from left), Patrick and Meredith Woodruff and Peggy and Buddy Jordan welcome Miller McNeil Woodruff Foundation supporters to the fifth annual Cupcakes and Cocktails on April 1 at the Fayetteville Town Center.
Jim and Rhonda Woodruff (from left), Patrick and Meredith Woodruff and Peggy and Buddy Jordan welcome Miller McNeil Woodruff Foundation supporters to the fifth annual Cupcakes and Cocktails on April 1 at the Fayetteville Town Center.

More than 900 Boys & Girls Club of Benton County backers joined the group for the Youth of the Year Celebration on March 31 at the John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers.

The Youth of the Year is selected by a panel of judges based on essays and presentations demonstrating the youth’s contribution to family, community, school and the Boys & Girls Club.

Morgan Russow, a senior at Bentonville High School, was selected as this year’s honoree. She told me she’s been a member for almost 12 years but has been “surrounded by the Boys & Girls Club my whole life because of my older sisters.”

Jason Barta, club chief executive officer, said the “club has an opportunity to have a significant impact on the kids we serve and this event highlights our kids to the community.”

Those celebrating with the club included Naiema and Don Frieson, master of ceremonies, Greg Foran, keynote speaker, Celia Swanson, Scott Duhamel, Jim Breach, Miriam and Jeff Sadow, Karen Stuckey and Mark Malo.

The Northwest Arkansas Community College Foundation played host that same evening to President’s Circle members at Two25 Gallery and Wine Bar in Bentonville. The art show and auction featured works created by students and alumni of the college.

The Circle consists of some 50 donors who contribute to a designated fund that allows the school to offer programs related to student success. Meredith Brunen, foundation executive director, said programs include hardship assistance, such as a student needing a car battery he can’t afford, which would prevent him from being able to get to class.

Next up for the college is the Plant a Seed Soiree on April 28 on the campus. The school will take the occasion to mark its anniversary and “commemorate the profound impact of Northwest Arkansas Community College over the last 25 years and celebrate the future educational opportunities that will best serve our region.” Proceeds from the fundraiser will help support student scholarships and other programs.

Among those appreciating student and alumni art were college President Evelyn and Charles Jorgenson, Dayle and Dan Shewmaker, Suzanne and Joe Spivey, Emily and John Douglas, Diane and Wayne Callahan, Dawn and Eric Pianalto, Jaquita and Ramsey Ball, Carol Caldwell and Ed Clifford, Mike Shupe and Sarah and Jim Young.

Nearly 900 guests gathered for the fifth annual Cupcakes and Cocktails benefit April 1 at the Fayetteville Town Center to benefit the Miller McNeil Woodruff Foundation. The more than $210,000 raised from the fundraiser will go toward fulfilling the nonprofit organization’s goal to “raise awareness, fund research and offer support” to families with a child diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).

Meredith and Patrick Woodruff established the foundation after their son, Miller, was diagnosed with SMA and died at the age of 87 days in 2011. SMA, the No. 1 genetic killer of children younger than age 2, destroys the nerves controlling voluntary muscle movement.

The charity will donate proceeds to Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Circle of Life Hospice, Cure SMA and Mamie’s Poppy Plates. Meredith said the group also helps “SMA families living in Arkansas with specific needs such as wheelchair ramps, handicap accessible vans, etc.”

Among those declaring “I’m with Miller,” the foundation’s slogan, were Peggy and Buddy Johnson, Rhonda and Jim Woodruff, Linda Phillips and Joe Euculano, Allison McElroy, John Wells, Dana Mather, Jayna Weber, Jayme Jones, Kate Carter, Amber Spencer and Victoria Fergus.

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

Youth of the Year

Celebration

Who: Boys & Girls Club of Benton County What: The group recognized Morgan Russow, a Bentonville High School senior, as this year’s honoree. When: March 31 Where: John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers Next: 2016 Mobil1 Spring Classic Tournament, April 25 Information: (479) 273-7187 or bgcbentoncounty.org

Art exhibition

and auction

Who: Northwest Arkansas Community College Foundation What: The foundation played host to President’s Circle members for the art exhibition and auction that featured works by students and alumni of the school. When: March 31 Where: Two25 Gallery and Wine Bar Next: Plant a Seed Soiree, April 28 Information: (479) 619-4184

Cupcakes

and Cocktails

Who: Miller McNeil Woodruff Foundation What: The fifth annual benefit brought in more than $210,000 to help the group raise awareness, fund research and offer support to families with a child diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). When: April 1 Where: Fayetteville Town Center Information: imwithmiller.com

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

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