The ninth annual Light of Hope breakfast and lunch on Nov. 17 to benefit CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Northwest Arkansas drew some 700 guests to the John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers for breakfast and 300 for the luncheon at the Northwest Arkansas Convention Center in Springdale. Combined, the two netted more than $215,000 for the nonprofit organization.
Scott Rouse, Tyson Foods Inc. chief customer officer, provided the luncheon keynote address, with Blake Woolsey, Mitchell Communications executive vice president, serving as mistress of ceremonies.
At a Glance
Light of Hope breakfast and luncheon
Who: Court Appointed Special Advocates of Northwest Arkansas
What: The benefit breakfast and lunch netted $215,000 for the nonprofit organization.
When: Nov. 17
Where: John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers and Northwest Arkansas Convention Center in Springdale
Information: (479) 725-2213 or nwacasa.org
Opening Night Gala
Who: Walton Arts Center
What: The arts center welcomed more than 200 of its closest friends who helped support the center’s $23 million capital campaign for the black-tie event.
When: Nov. 17
Where: The arts center in Fayetteville
Information: (479) 443-5600 or waltonartscenter.org
CASA provides trained volunteers to represent children in the jurisdiction of family courts. Proceeds from the day will help the group recruit and train more volunteers. In the past year, 917 children in Northwest Arkansas entered foster care and CASA Northwest Arkansas was able to assist 670 of them with 239 volunteers.
Colleen Smith, CASA director of development, said the money raised from both events will help the group train more volunteers to serve an additional 179 children this year.
Lauren Waldon, Miss Arkansas International, shared at both events her experiences with CASA as a child who was placed in foster care when she was 6 years old. She said that her CASA volunteer, Sylvia Richardson, "advocated for many things in my life." Richardson advocated to the court for Waldon to enter pageants. Now a student at Arkansas State University, she will graduate debt-free due to the pageant scholarships she earned.
The breakfast featured Judith McKenna, Walmart US chief operating officer, as keynote speaker.
Those gathered to help the Light of Hope burn brighter included Lisa and Bill Mayer, April Shy, Chris Mitchell, Karen Inlow and Susie Baker.
The Walton Arts Center welcomed more than 200 of its closest friends who helped support the center's $23 million capital campaign for the black-tie Opening Night Gala on Nov. 17. The evening celebrated the completion of the center's nearly 18-month expansion and renovation project.
Peter Lane, WAC president and chief executive officer, told guests, "For 25 years, you have cared, guided and supported us ... As we dreamed and challenged ourselves to create an expansion for our future -- we turned to you again. We launched a dream -- and you stepped in to light the way."
Those celebrating with the growing center included Hannah and Greg Lee, Walton Arts Center Council chairman, Marti WHO Kelly Sudduth, Billie Starr, Sheri Rothwell and Woody Bassett, Sandy and Joseph Steinmetz, University of Arkansas Chancellor, Gina and Neal Pendergraft, Eileen and Jeff Schomburger, PARTNER and Kirk Thompson, Ann and Morris Henry, Lisa and Jeff Gearhart, Becky and Bob Alexander, Sara and Frank Sharp, Erin Hogue, Kyle Peterson, Karen Minkel and Joe Randel.
For more event photos -- nwadg.com/photos/society.
Columnist Carin Schoppmeyer can be reached by email at [email protected].
NAN Profiles on 11/27/2016