Shoe shoppers support mental health

Saving Grace blooms

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER James Vawter (from left), Cookie Parker, Brian Looney, Kent and Becky Shaffer, Raynisha Robinson, Sarah Gillmer and Lisa Chambers, Saving Grace board members, welcome guests to the Butterflies and Blooms benefit luncheon April 19 at the John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers.
NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER James Vawter (from left), Cookie Parker, Brian Looney, Kent and Becky Shaffer, Raynisha Robinson, Sarah Gillmer and Lisa Chambers, Saving Grace board members, welcome guests to the Butterflies and Blooms benefit luncheon April 19 at the John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers.

Ozark Guidance Foundation supporters were treated to a private preview and a chance to shop the Walk a Mile In My Shoes benefit sale of new and gently used shoes and handbags on April 13, the eve of the sale for the general public at the Holiday Inn in Springdale.

Those getting a peak at peep-toes, platforms and purses included Jennifer and Rayburn Green, Amy and Chris May, Laura Tyler, Kelsey and John Michael Fohner, Teri and Gary Head, Cherise Allison, Jaclynn and Frank Johnson, Jackie and Sumner Brashears, Katy and Justin Hunt, Rachael and Farris DeBoard and Kevin Hatfield.

At a Glance

Walk a Mile In My Shoes preview

Who: Ozark Guidance Foundation

What: The eighth annual gently used shoes and handbags sale helps support offerings at the nonprofit mental health services provider.

When: April 13

Where: Holiday Inn in Springdale

Information: (800) 234-7052 or ozarkguidance.org

Cupcakes and Cocktails

Who: Miller McNeil Woordruff Foundation

What: The benefit yielded some $385,000 for the foundation.

When: April 13

Where: John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers

Information: (479) 903-1810 or imwithmiller.com

Butterflies and Blooms

Who: Saving Grace

What: The group works with young women who have “aged out” of foster care to help provide a support system.

When: April 19

Where: John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers

Information: (479) 636-1133 or savinggracenwa.org

More than 1,100 Miller McNeill Woodruff Foundation backers joined the group April 13 at the John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers for the seventh annual Cupcakes & Cocktails benefit.

The more than $385 raised from the fundraiser will go toward fulfilling the nonprofit organization's goal to "raise awareness, fund research and offer support" to families with children diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).

Meredith and Patrick Woodruff established the foundation after their son, Miller, was diagnosed with SMA and died at the age of 87 days in 2011. SMA, the No. 1 genetic killer of children younger than 2, destroys the nerves controlling voluntary muscle movement.

The nonprofit foundation has raised more than $1 million since its start and has helped support Cure SMA, the Arkansas Children's Hospital, Circle of Life Hospice, Mamie's Poppy Plates, The Amazeum, Ronald McDonald House Charities and families affected by SMA.

Guests gathered for Cupcakes and Cocktails included Jamie and Russ Daniel, Brandy and John Furner, Julie and Keith Barber, Rossi Morreale, Natalie and Lance Weathers, Erika and Brian Dutrieux, Helga and Adam Coleman and Meagan and David Baker.

Saving Grace supporters turned out in record numbers April 19 for the ninth annual Butterflies and Blooms benefit luncheon at the John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers.

Saving Grace, a Christ-centered nonprofit organization, works with young women 18 to 25 who have "aged out" of foster care or group homes. Providing transitional living, the group also equips residents with independent living education, educational assistance and a support system that is missing for most of the girls. The nonprofit organization is 100 percent privately supported through donations and grants, with no federal funding.

Butterflies and Blooms backers included Becky and Kent Shaffer, Susan and Steve Goss, Sarah Gillmer, James Vawter, Cookie Parker, Lisa Chambers, Raynisha Robinson, Brian Looney, Jody and Keith Helton, Meka Cox, Amy Eichler and Kimberley Velasco.

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

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

NAN Profiles on 04/29/2018

Upcoming Events