Mercy Health Foundation Northwest Arkansas welcomed a sold-out crowd of more than 1,600 guests Dec. 2 for the O Night Divine Charity Ball. The 24th annual benefit at the John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers helped raise some $1.19 million for the expanding health care system.
The nonprofit organization honors community leaders each year for their service and support of the foundation. This year's honorees were:
At a Glance
O Night Divine Charity Ball
Who: Mercy Health Foundation Northwest Arkansas
What: The 24th annual benefit helped raise some $1.19 million for the expanding health care system.
When: Dec. 2
Where: John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers
Next: 25th annual O Night Divine Charity Ball, Dec. 1
Information: (479) 388-2990 or mercy.net
VIP reception
Who: Brandon Burlsworth Foundation
What: The foundation, Burlworth Trophy finalists and friends gathered on the eve of the trophy winner announcement.
When: Dec. 3
Where: The Apollo on Emma in Springdale
Information: (870) 741-1443, (866) 534-2875 or brandonburlsworth.o…
Retirement celebration
Who: Arkansas Support Network
What: ASN supporters, staff, volunteers, clients and friends gathered for to celebrate Keith Vire and his 26-year career as chief executive officer of the nonprofit organization
When: Dec. 5
Where: Mermaids Seafood Restaurant in Fayetteville
Information: (479) 927-4100 or supports.org
•Connie and Nick White -- Family of the Year;
•Karen Roberts -- Volunteer of the Year; and
•The Duke Family Foundation -- Organization of the Year.
The evening also included dinner, a live auction, a special performance by Chris Lane and the Dickie Ray Club pledge drive. Led by Dick Trammel, the drive will help provide cardiac monitors for the neonatal intensive care unit.
The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, Burlsworth Trophy finalists and friends gathered for a VIP reception Dec. 3, the eve of the trophy winner announcement.
The following day the foundation announced the eighth winner of the trophy for the nation's most outstanding football player who started his career as a walk-on.
This year's trophy went to a three-time nominee, Luke Falk, Washington State University senior quarterback.
Other finalists were Anthony Miller, University of Memphis senior wide receiver; Troy Fumagalli, University of Wisconsin senior tight end; and two-time Burlsworth Trophy and 2017 Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield, University of Oklahoma senior quarterback.
Those welcoming walk-ons included Vickie and Marty Burlsworth, Andrea and Tony Miller, Annalee Falk, Gina and James Mayfield, Char and Doug Fumagalli, Mike McFarland, Rick Burrows, Tommy Tice, Sean Bedford, Kevin Trainer, Karen Talbot Gean, Jim Johnson, Ceri and Rolf Wilkin, Dean Weber, Sheri and Woody Bassett and Lindsey Rucker.
Arkansas Support Network supporters, staff, volunteers, clients and friends gathered Dec. 5 at Mermaids Seafood Restaurant in Fayetteville to celebrate Keith Vire and his 26-year career as chief executive officer of the nonprofit organization.
The group serves individuals with disabilities with offerings that include the Community Parent Resource Center, community living services and vocational foundations -- such as supported employment, social and work skills development and enrichment opportunities in creativity, recreation and literacy.
Among those wishing Keith well on his retirement were Lynn Donald Carver, Warren McDonald, Carol and Bill Hart, Denise and Hershey Garner, Dianna and Kent Eikenberry, Cindy Donald and Scott Bronson, John L Colbert, Laura Kellams and Syard Evans.
Merry Christmas to you!
For more event photos -- nwadg.com/photos/society.
Columnist Carin Schoppmeyer can be reached by email at [email protected].
NAN Profiles on 12/24/2017