Jones Center backers went big Nov. 11, helping the nonprofit organization raise some $300,000 at Big Night in the Big Easy: A Night in New Orleans. The evening at the center in Springdale featured Mardi Gras beads, gas lamps, king cake, shopping local boutiques in the "French Quarter Retail District," and a multi-course gourmet dinner prepared by Mario Valdovino, Tyson Foods Inc. corporate executive chef.
Proceeds from the evening, combined with $200,000 raised from The Golf Event in October, will help support the center's annual budget of $3.8 million, according to Kelly Kemp, chief advancement officer. She added the revenue allows the center to continue offering popular series and classes such as hot yoga, spin cycle, recreational hockey, youth gymnastics and dance and ice skating classes.
Big Night in the Big Easy: A Night in New Orleans
Who: The Jones Center
What: Backers helped the group raise some $300,000.
When: Nov. 11
Where: The Jones Center in Springdale
Information: (479) 756-8090 or thejonescenter.net
National Philanthropy Day luncheon
Who: The Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals
What: The luncheon highlighted outstanding Northwest Arkansas philanthropists.
When: Nov. 15
Where: Fayetteville Town Center
Information: afpnwark.afpnet.org
Those joining the Jones Center included Jason and Michelle Nichol, Barb and Shawn Baldwin, Tanya and Tom Hayes, Linda Wray, Sue and David Van Bebber, Holly and Jim Breach, Marc and Mindy Sherwood, Nicole and Corey Bender, Kathy and Joe Farnan, Linda Wray, Shirley and Pete Esch, Mary and Dick Stockland, John Ervin, Cynthia and David Pierre, Tina and Nate Hodne, Alexis Hodne, Betsy and Loyd Phillips, Celia Swanson, Janet and Jim Hendren and Carol and Ed Clifford.
Philanthropists were the focus at the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals' annual National Philanthropy Day luncheon Nov. 15 at the Fayetteville Town Center.
Karin Cox, co-founder of Hartsook Companies Inc. fundraising consultants and presenting sponsor of the lauding luncheon, said the company backs fundraiser education because "working together to change lives in our community is what it's all about."
All honorees, upon accepting their awards, noted the exceptional quality of life we enjoy in Northwest Arkansas and the role philanthropy plays in it.
The 2017 honorees are:
• Melanie and Thad Beck -- Outstanding Philanthropist;
• Robin and Gary George -- Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser;
• Jody Dilday -- Outstanding Fundraising Executive;
• Northwest Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Council -- Outstanding Philanthropic Organization;
• The Blue and You Foundation -- Outstanding Foundation;
• Sandy Keiser Edwards -- Legacy Award;
• Ed Clifford -- Lifetime Achievement;
• Meg Mauldin -- Youth in Philanthropy, Individual;
• Lemonae Day NWA -- Youth in Philanthropy, Group; and
• Citiscapes Magazine -- Judges Special Award.
For more event photos -- nwadg.com/photos/society.
Columnist Carin Schoppmeyer can be reached by email at [email protected].
NAN Profiles on 12/03/2017