Northwest Arkansas Women's Shelter officials welcomed guests Sept. 5 for the nonprofit organization's Head & Heart lunch and learn at Crossmark Center for Collaboration in Bentonville.
The quarterly series features "a local business leader who covers a topic of interest to the Northwest Arkansas retail and supplier community (the head) and a mini-session covering how local professionals can engage in creating a safer, healthier community (the heart)."
At a Glance
Head & Heart Lunch
Who: Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter
What: Laura Rush, Walmart vice-president and division manager of frozen brands, spoke to those gathered for the quarterly lunch and learn series.
When: Sept. 5
Where: Crossmark Center for Collaboration in Bentonville
Next: Fresh StART, Oct. 12
Information: (479) 246-9999 or nwaws.org
Cherishing Children
Who: Children’s Advocacy Center of Benton County
What: Rachael Denhollander provided keynote remarks for the benefit dinner and awards presentation.
When: Sept. 5
Where: Johh Q. Hammons Center in Rogers
Next: Sweetest Day, Oct. 12
Information: (479) 621-0385 or cacbentonco.com
Laura Rush, Walmart vice president and division manager of frozen brands, spoke to those gathered about Leading with the New Power Mentality: A conversation based on the book by Jeremy Heimans and Henry Timms and led an audience discussion on power and the #metoo movement.
The nonprofit organization offers 30-day emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence. Offerings available to residents at the shelter include food, clothing, counseling, court and children's advocacy, community education and support groups.
Next up for the group is its signature fundraiser Fresh StART, which features regional professional artists and artisans and art pieces donated by shelter clients. It will include music, hors d'oeuvres and beverages Oct. 12 at The Peel Mansion Museum and Heritage Gardens in Bentonville.
Those gathering with the group included Kate Katzer, Matt Tice, Sarah Collins, Dan Grodhaus, Amanda Madrid, Carine Castange, Cindi Marsiglio and Michele MacDonald.
Children's Advocacy Center of Benton County champions gathered later Sept. 5 at the John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers for the 15th annual Cherishing Children benefit dinner and awards presentation.
Rachael Denhollander, lawyer, sexual abuse activist and former gymnast, provided keynote remarks. Denhollander was the first woman to file a police report and speak publicly about the sexual abuse she experienced at the hands of Larry Nassar, the US Gymnastics team coach.
The nonprofit organization in Little Flock works with local law enforcement agencies and other investigators in cases of alleged child abuse. Services at the center include forensic interviews to give children an opportunity to talk with trained interviewers and minimize the number of times they have to talk about the abuse. The center also has child advocates, provides medical examinations, and counseling is available for child abuse victims and their non-offending family members.
The group presented awards to:
• Adam Holland and Walmart Information Security Group -- Empowering Kids Award for Outstanding Community Partner;
• Cait Shemin -- One with Courage Award for Volunteer of the Year;
• Shelley and Doug McMillon -- Advocate for Innocence Award for Outstanding Community Supporters; and
• Rep. Rebecca Petty -- Beverly R. Engle Pioneer Award for Leader in the Field of Child Abuse.
Coming up for the center is Sweetest Day on Oct. 12.
For more event photos -- nwadg.com/photos/society.
Columnist Carin Schoppmeyer can be reached by email at cschoppmeyer@nwadg.com.
NAN Profiles on 09/08/2019