Youth Bridge backers gathered Jan. 28 at the nonprofit organization’s office in Fayetteville for a reception in honor of Scott Linebaugh as he retires after 23 years as Youth Bridge executive director and member of their Board of Directors for 10 years prior.
Nancy Hairston, development director, said the organization started as a small home for homeless boys serving about eight with few employees. It has grown to offer services in nine counties, has five clinical offices and three residential programs that can house a total of 56 kids. The organization added a school-based program in all counties it serves, in addition to serving more than 4,000 youth and their families each year. The Youth Bridge residential substance abuse program has been recognized nationally and the group is the only provider in Arkansas for the National Safe Place Program.
Those on hand to wish Scott well included Debra and West Doss, Linda and Doug Miller, Ladd Linear, Delvin Nation, Tom Triplett, Marty Dennis, John Threet, Loren Shackelford and Nancy Hairston.
Center Court at the Northwest Arkansas Mall in Fayetteville was awash in chocolate Jan. 30 for the annual Le Chocolate Feast. Area restaurants, caterers and community volunteers provided the chocolate treats for ticket-holders to taste and vote for their favorites.
Chocolate and other treat providers for the day included KYYA Chocolate, Bordinos Italian Restaurant, Fayetteville Pastry Shop, Dippin’ Dots, Shake’s Frozen Custard, Jammin’ Java, Great American Cookie, Red Lobster and Cabelas.
Proceeds benefit the Pink Divas, which consists of breast cancer survivors and is “united in helping others experiencing breast cancer diagnosis and treatment through education, encouragement, comfort and financial support.”
Group activities and services include volunteering at special events, sponsoring Susan G. Komen event participation, field trips and social events, visiting hospitals and participating in community activities. Membership is open to breast cancer survivors and the Divas meet at 11 a.m. each Friday at The Jones Center in Springdale.
Among those tasting chocolate to benefit survivors were Kerri Russell, Delores Hanshew, Wilma Hawkins, Sharon Rogers, Carolyn Morris, Joyce Lundstrom, Nick Boetel, Brittany Boone, Jane Maloney, Sharon Bacon, Marie England, Audrey Pruitt, Cindy and Rick Boosey and Janice Wisdom.
The Northwest Arkansas Hunter Jumper Association played host to its annual awards dinner that same night at the Holiday Inn in Springdale.
THOSE RECEIVING AWARDS
INCLUDED:
• Megan Morris — Scholarship Equitation/Education Equitation Scholarship;
• Elizabeth Tanner — My Ride Scholarship;
• Sara Palmer riding Happy Happy Happy — Best Child Rider on a Pony;
• Arden Leraris riding Rory — Best Amateur Adult Rider;
• Hungarian Szeven Diamond ridden by Sara Palmer and Caroline Crank, owned by Laurel Manor — Horse/Pony of the Year and Serendipity Award;
• Matthew Morris — Cocoa Puff Memorial Spirit Award; and
• Zeus ridden by Megan Morris — Kit Kalypso Award.
The association’s Spirit Awards for exemplifying the association’s motto, “Honoring tradition, developing riders, loving horses,” were presented to Jordan Cook, Eleanor Suttle, Molly Wolf, Sherrill Davis, Chloe Suarez, Nicholas Wadlin and Mary Catherine Morris.
For more event photos — nwadg.com/photos/society.
Retirement
reception
Who: Youth Bridge What: The group honored Scott Linebaugh as he retires from the nonprofit organization after 23 years as Youth Bridge executive director and a member of their Board of Directors for 10 years prior. When: Jan. 28 Where: Youth Bridge in Fayetteville Next: Starry, Starry Night, June 4 Information: (479) 575-9471 or youthbridge.com
Le Chocolate Feast
Who: Pink Divas What: The annual chocolate tasting benefits the breast cancer survivors support group. When: Jan. 30 Where: Northwest Arkansas Mall in Fayetteville Next: Meetings 11 a.m. each Friday at The Jones Center in Springdale Information: (479) 957-1433 or [email protected]
Awards dinner
Who: Northwest Arkansas Hunter Jumper Association What: The group presents year-end awards to riders at the annual dinner. When: Jan. 30 Where: Holiday Inn in Sprindale Information: nwahj.com
Columnist Carin Schoppmeyer can be reached by email at [email protected].