Small canvases yield big returns Scholarship group announces campaign

Small canvases score big at ACO

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Denton and Cathy Seilhan (from left), Twyla Rownak, Wendy Soderquist Togami, Sandie Ford, Karen Parker and Jack Eaton, Single Parent Scholarship Fund executive director, help launch the Marjorie Marugg-Wolfe Sustainability Campaign on Oct. 29 at Hunt Tower in Rogers.
NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Denton and Cathy Seilhan (from left), Twyla Rownak, Wendy Soderquist Togami, Sandie Ford, Karen Parker and Jack Eaton, Single Parent Scholarship Fund executive director, help launch the Marjorie Marugg-Wolfe Sustainability Campaign on Oct. 29 at Hunt Tower in Rogers.

Arts Center of the Ozarks patrons perused some 250 paintings, pastels, pen and ink drawings, portraits and other pint-sized works on canvas at the annual 5x5 Auction and Jazz Soiree benefit Oct. 25 at the center in Springdale.

Proceeds will help support the center's community art programs that include concerts, classes, performance opportunities in plays and choirs and artistic development.

At a Glance

5x5 Auction and Jazz Soiree

Who: Arts Center of the Ozarks

What: Patrons had their pick of small works on canvas to bid on.

When: Oct. 25

Where: Arts Center of the Ozarks in Springdale

Next: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Dec. 13-15

Information: (479) 751-5441 or acozarks.org

Campaign announcement

Who: Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Benton County

What: Officials announced the launch of the $3 million Marjorie Marugg-Wolfe Sustainability Campaign.

When: Oct. 29

Where: Hunt Tower in Rogers

Information: (479) 254-8550 or spsfbc.org

Those perusing at the auction included Tareneh and Lance Manning, Lynn Donald Carver, Dick Titus and Zeek Taylor, Marsha Jones, Ramey Jones, Jan Struebing, Kathryn Sampson, Joan and John Threet, Eleanor Wheat, Sarah Wheat, Ruth Fiorina, Christine Meier, Susan Cunningham and Victoria Van Dusen.

Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Benton County officials announced the launch of the $3 million Marjorie Marugg-Wolfe Sustainability Campaign at a reception Oct. 29 at Hunt Tower in Rogers. Karen Parker, campaign chairwoman, told those gathered that the nonprofit organization has reached more than $2.5 million in early support.

The campaign's goal is to establish "long-term investments to provide ongoing funding for annual scholarships and student programs and operate a quality facility for the next 35-plus years."

The late Marugg-Wolfe was working at Northwest Technical Institute in the 1980s and saw firsthand that unexpected expenses could derail single parents' plans to pursue an education. Parker said "she was a true visionary" for creating the organization.

The nonprofit organization, founded in 1984, provides support in a variety of forms for single parents who are seeking college degrees. Recipients may turn to the group for assistance with tuition, books, rent, emergency expenses, career development, professional and personal counseling or tutoring.

Jack Eaton, executive director, thanked all donors "for showing support for generational change" and gave special recognition to the Soderquist Family (represented by Wendy Soderquist Togami and Sandie Ford) and Cathy and Denton Seilhan for their contributions to the effort. Soderquist Togami said her family has been a longtime supporter of Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Benton County. "It matches the way my family thinks about philanthropy, friendship and goodness."

The group does not receive government money but is instead supported by individual, foundation and corporate giving. Since 1984, the group has awarded more than 8,500 scholarships worth more than $8 million.

Those congregating for the campaign included Shelle Summers, David Ortiz, Lori Walker, Brock Gearhart, Marj and Pete Metzger, Pat Schram and Cheryl Yarbrough.

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

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

NAN Profiles on 11/10/2019

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