Life Styles celebrates possibilities

Susan G. Komen for the Cure Ozark Affiliate kicked off the 2016 Race for the Cure with a reception for volunteers and and other supporters March 2 at Hunt Tower in Rogers.

Judith McKenna, Walmart executive vice president and chief operating officer for Walmart U.S. and the 2016 Race for the Cure honorary chairwoman, told those gathered, she "jumped to the chance to chair the race," because of Walmart associates who have been affected by the disease and her best friend, a survivor who was diagnosed 10 years ago.

Lauren Marquette, affiliate executive director, said the race is the nonprofit organization's largest fundraiser, and since 1999 has helped the local affiliate award $9 million in grants to area breast cancer charities. She said an estimated 429 people in the local service area will be diagnosed this year and some 97 will die of breast cancer.

Race registration for teams and individuals is open for the 18th annual event set for April 30. Events include timed 10K and 5K runs, non-timed 5K and a 1 mile fun walk. Registration will also be available for Bark for the Cure, Kids for the Cure, Teens for the Cure and Sleep in for the Cure.

Those kicking off with Komen included Sue Redfield, Tara Ingling, Betsy Reithemeyer, Lindsay Dixon, Mike Turner, Shantell Owen, Drenda Pinkleton, Mary Zettle, Tyler Clark, Lauren Marquette, Melinda Murphy, Caitlin Murphy, Courtney Trevillion and Neil Breitkreutz.

Northwest Arkansas supporters officially welcomed Joseph Stienmetz, University of Arkansas chancellor, and his wife Sandy with a reception March 3 at Pinnacle Country Club in Rogers. Steinmetz took the helm of the unversity Jan. 1.

Steinmetz told guests he looks forward to getting to know them because "your insights are very important to the University of Arkansas." He said that in the coming months, he will go on a statewide bus trip with faculty and staff members "to see where our students are coming from."

Those on hand to welcome the new leader included Dan Bobbitt, Sandy Edwards, Julian Stewart, John White, Cameron Smith, Sandy Edwards, Dick Trammel, Bootsie Ackerman, Cindy and Dewitt Smith, Valorie and Randy Lawson, Patti and Dennis Abell and Chris Wyrick.

Life Styles went "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" as it marked its ruby anniversary at the 28th annual Celebration of Possibilities luncheon March 9. The luncheon is an opportunity for the nonprofit organization to celebrate clients, staff members, volunteers and client employers.

This year's awards went to:

•Samuel Lipson and Andrew Lipson -- Volunteer of the Year.

•Fayetteville Town Center -- Employer of the Year.

•St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Fayetteville -- Volunteer Company of the Year.

•Fayetteville Junior Civic League -- Volunteer Group of the Year.

The group offers services for individuals with disabilities, helping them become contributing members in our community with programs such as supported employment.

The Life Styles employment department works with clients from vocational assessment and the application process through support once they've landed jobs.

Other Life Styles offerings include supported living, Project Launch, visual arts, performing arts and a high school transition program.

Those celebrating with Life Styles included April and Craig Shy, Allison and Josh Tritt, Karen and Warren McDonald, Lindsey and Brock Gearhart, Linda Batson, Sue and David Van Bebber, Terrye Brosh, Claire and Bo Bittle, Kerry Bradley, Woody Bassett, Jim Ed Summers and Jennifer Irwin.

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

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

NAN Profiles on 03/20/2016