Children's Advocacy Center of Benton County backers joined the group Jan. 10 at the center in Little Flock to mark the center's 20th anniversary.
The nonprofit organization 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. Services are offered at no cost to families.
At a Glance
Anniversary open House
Who: Children’s Advocacy Center of Benton County
What: The nonprofit organization marked 20 years of serving chilren.
When: Jan. 10
Where: Children’s Advocacy Center of Benton County in Little Flock
Next: Cherishing Children 5K Glow Run, 1-mile fun walk and 400-yard Super Hero Dash, April 17; Cherishing Children dinner and awards presentation Sept. 10
Information: (479) 621-0385 or cacbentonco.com
An Acoustic Set with Amy Ray featuring Jeff Fielder & Kerry Brooks
Who: Walton Arts Center
What: Patrons gathered for the concert that was part of the arts center’s West Street Live series.
When: Jan. 16
Where: The arts center in Fayetteville
Next: Tab Benoit, Feb. 6; Bonnie Bishop, March 21; Jayme Stone, May 14
Information: (479) 443-5600 or waltonartscenter.org
Since opening in January 2000, the center has seen more than 11,500 children. "In 2019 the CAC provided 977 initial services to children and families, conducted 936 forensic interviews, performed 134 forensic medical exams, provided 2,333 counseling sessions to children and their families and facilitated educational training to 6,003 individuals," Brooke Boles, development director, said.
Upcoming benefits for the nonprofit organization include the Cherishing Children 5K Glow Run, 1-mile fun walk and 400-yard Super Hero Dash on April 17 in downtown Rogers. The Cherishing Children dinner and awards presentation will be Sept. 10 at the John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers, and Christina Meredith, former foster child turned foster care activist and mental health advocate, will be the featured speaker.
Those attending in honor of the anniversary included Lori and Steve Collins, Chuck Hyde, Beverly Engle, Erin and Will Kraner, Lindsay Aycock, Brooke Boles, Natalie Tibbs and Jill and Josh Bryant.
Walton Arts Center patrons gathered Jan. 16 at the center in Fayetteville for An Acoustic Set with Amy Ray featuring Jeff Fielder & Kerry Brooks as part of WAC's West Street Live series.
WAC leaders say the concert series "caters to live music fans, bringing artists from a variety of genres to Walton Arts Center's Starr Theater for intimate, relaxed concerts in an atmosphere reminiscent of neighborhood listening rooms and nightclubs. The setting allows patrons to connect with the music and musicians."
Upcoming series dates include Tab Benoit, Feb. 6; Bonnie Bishop, March 21; and Jayme Stone's Folklife, May 14.
The arts center's 10th annual Masquerade Ball benefit is set for Feb. 22. Proceeds from the "black-tie suggested, masks encouraged" event will help support the nonprofit organization's arts education initiatives.
Among those gathering for an evening of live music were Gina and Neal Pendergraft, Marti and Kelly Sudduth, Judy and Bill Schwab, Anne O'Leary Kelly, Deborah and David Malone and Kim and Jerry Vest.
For more event photos -- nwadg.com/photos/society.
Columnist Carin Schoppmeyer can be reached by email at cschoppmeyer@nwadg.com.
NAN Profiles on 01/19/2020