The Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas marked its 30th year with nearly 500 of its closest friends at the Spark of Hope dinner June 19 at the Fayetteville Town Center.
The record-breaking crowd helped the nonprofit organization surpass its goal of raising $375,000, bringing in $384,000.
At a Glance
Spark of Hope
Who: Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas
What: The benefit and awards dinner brought in a record $384,000.
When: June 19
Where: Fayetteville Town Center
Information: (479) 935-4888 or singleparentscholar…
Summer Nights Gala
Who: The Cancer Challenge
What: The multi-day fundraiser that included the gala yielded $XXX,XXX for the nonprofit organization.
When: June 20
Where: Horton Farms in Gravette
Information: (479) 273-3172 or cancerchallenge.com
Celebrity Chef Throwdown
Who: Ronald McDonald Room at Mercy NWA
What: The family-friendly event featured a chefs competition, children’s activities, food booths and cooking demonstrations.
When: June 21
Where: Magnolia Gardens in Springdale
Information: (479) 756-5600 or rmhcofarkhoma.org
The event celebrates the group's scholarship campaign and recognizes community partners. Spark of Hope honorees were:
Ruth and Dick Forsythe, Individual
Jamie Kern and Lori Loge of Peace at Home Family Shelter, Supportive Employer
Tracie Kirkland, Supportive Professor
Cox Communications, Corporate Support
Clear Channel Radio, Community Partner
Those sparking hope included Ruth Collier, Ric Cooper, Elaine Longer, Joan and John Threet, Justin DeLille, Frank Johnson, Cynthia Nance and Sally and Al Dominguez, keynote speaker.
The 2014 Cancer Challenge saw more than 1,000 participants in its multi-event, three-day fundraiser June 19-21. Activities included golf, tennis and trap shooting competitions and the Summer Nights Gala on June 20. The 21st annual event brought in $757,000 to help support area cancer charities.
At the gala at Horton Farms in Gravette, the group recognized Gay Prescott of Hope Cancer Resources with the Tina Waggener Distinguished Leadership Award, and Josh Lunsford and Jeff Waggener received the Michael Shassere Leadership Award.
Among those enjoying the Summer Nights Gala were Lindsey and Brock Gearhart, Malcolm Hayward, Greg Spragg and Drew Collom.
Two local chefs took top honors at the inaugural Celebrity Chef Throwdown on June 24 to benefit the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Mercy NWA. The tasty benefit brought in some $40,000 for the charity.
Jerrmy Gawthrop of Greenhouse Grille in Fayetteville was named Overall Winner, and the People's Choice Award went to Justus Moll of River Grille Steakhouse in the chef's competition at Magnolia Gardens in Springdale. Ella Jones won the children's recipe contest.
The other competitors in the throwdown were Vince Pianalto of Bouchee Bistro in Fayetteville and Rob Nelson of Tusk and Trotter American Brasserie in Bentonville. Judges for the competition were Becky Gosnell of Citiscapes, Brad Bulot, executive chef at Mercy NWA, and Dan Skoff of KNWA.
Barbara Hook, board president, told us the Family Room has already been used by more than 700 families since opening in July 2013.
Columnist Carin Schoppmeyer can be reached by email at cschoppmeyer@nwaonline.com.
NAN Profiles on 06/29/2014