The fifth annual Butterflies and Blooms luncheon proved to be another boon for Saving Grace, yielding approximately a third of the nonprofit organization's $350,000 annual budget. Nearly 1,200 supporters filled the John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers in support of the nonprofit organization.
The faith-based transitional living home works with young women ages 17 to 25 who have "aged out" of foster care and have no support system to help them become adults. Beyond being an affordable, safe place to live, Saving Grace also provides independent living education and a support network of mentors and other community volunteers.
At a Glance
Butterflies and Blooms
Who: Saving Grace
What: The fifth annual Butterflies and Blooms fundraiser raised one third of the nonprofit organization’s yearly budget.
When: April 17
Where: John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers
Information: (479) 636-1133
Hands of Compassion
Who: LifeSource International
What: The annual event helps support the nonprofit organization’s many services.
When: Tuesday
Where: Fayetteville Town Center
Information: (479) 521-400 lifesourceinternati…
Saving Grace encourages their girls to continue their education and has implemented an educational incentive program. Residents are required to have jobs and are responsible for their household expenses such as rent and groceries, but if enrolled as full- or part-time students may have free or reduced rent or help with other needs.
Mary McMuth, the featured speaker for the benefit luncheon, had a childhood of neglect and abuse -- like many of those who live at Saving Grace. She encouraged us all to "Be gutsy. Be tribal. Be a hero." She told us being tribal is about being part of a good community.
Those backing Butterflies and Blooms included Becky and Kent Shaffer, Jaclyn Williams, Lovelle Ingram, Kelli Parks, Josie Rapier, Jayci Schmitt, Brittney Duke, Adam Maass, Yvonne Ley, Jan Shinall, Susan Duke, Betty Kennedy, Mechele Sinclair, Meza Harris, Lori McDaniel and Becky Paneitz.
LifeSource International's Hands of Compassion benefit Tuesday evening saw more than 450 supporters join the group at the Fayetteville Town Center.
The evening brought in nearly $63,000 for the nonprofit group that served some 55,000 Northwest Arkansas individuals, families and children in need in 2013.
The fundraiser included live and silent auctions, dinner and a keynote address from Henry Ho. Ho is co-founder and chief business development officer of Field Agent.
Those lifting up LifeSource included Brenda and Randy Laney, Nancy and Henry Ho, Elise Mitchell, Debbie and Bruce Johanson, Belinda and Rick Carpenter, Karen Gray, Ana and David Echegoyan, Vicky and James Stobaugh and Gina De Vecchio.
Columnist Carin Schoppmeyer can be reached by email at [email protected].
NAN Profiles on 04/27/2014