O Night Divine, the Mercy Health Foundation Charity Ball on Dec. 6, saw some 1,400 supporters gather at the John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers for the 21st annual event.
This year's Dickie Ray Club fundraising drive that evening, led by our friend Dick Trammel, brought in $135,000 in 10 minutes for the health system's neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Bolstered by a $50,000 donation from Walmart, the challenge blasted past the goal of $75,000. The overall total raised for the event was more than $880,000.
At a Glance
O Night Divine: Mercy Health Foundation Charity Ball
Who: Mercy Health Foundation Northwest Arkansas
What: The Dickey Ray Club Project raised $135,000 in 10 minutes to benefit the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit.
When: Dec. 6
Where: John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers
Information: (479) 338-2990 or mercy.net
VIP Reception
Who: Brandon Burlsworth Foundation
What: The nonprofit organization recognizes an outstanding college football walk-on with the trophy each year.
When: Dec. 7
Where: Holiday Inn in Springdale
Information: (866) 534-2875 or brandonburlsworth.o…
The unit welcomed two new neonatologists in the past year and will be purchasing some of the most advanced NICU equipment, including a transport isolette and specialized respiratory support.
The foundation annually takes the opportunity at the ball to recognize those who have made a difference for the nonprofit organization. The 2014 honors went to:
The Jones Trust -- Organization of the Year
The JoAnn and Don Soderquist family -- Family of the Year
Jodi Lightner -- Volunteer of the Year.
Steve Galen, foundation board president, and Eric Pianalto, Mercy Hospital president, made a surprise presentation in honor of Clark Ellison, Mercy regional vice president of philanthropy. The honor was given in recognition of service to Mercy.
The evening featured comedian Ryan Hamilton and a performance by Danielle Bradbery, 2013 winner of "The Voice."
Those helping the Mercy Foundation have a divine evening included Susan and Gov.-elect Asa Hutchinson, Elda and Eric Scott, Shirin Issa and Omer Gajial, Susan and Mike Duke, Susie and Steve Galen and Annetta Young and Spencer Tirey.
Brandon Burlsworth Foundation supporters and the 2014 class of Brandon Burlsworth Trophy nominees gathered Dec. 7 at the Holiday Inn in Springdale for a VIP reception preceding the next day's announcement of the winner of the trophy for the nation's most outstanding football player who started his career as a walk-on.
Justin Hardy, East Carolina University receiver; Mark Weisman, University of Iowa running back; and Ben Beckwith, Mississippi State University guard were nominated. The trophy was presented to Hardy at the luncheon hosted by the Springdale Rotary Club.
Among those gathering to salute stand-out walk-ons were Barbara Burlsworth, Vickie and Marty Burlsworth, Frank Broyles, Dean Weber, Linda Slothower, Eileen and Rick Barrows, Lindsey Schenck, Mike McFarland and Courtney Palfreeman.
My sincere apologies to DeLinda Mace and Lana and Bentonville Mayor Bob McCaslin for errors with your names in last week's column. Mea culpa.
Have a very Merry Christmas!
For more event photos -- nwaonline.com/photos/society
Columnist Carin Schoppmeyer can be reached by email at cschoppmeyer@nwaonline.com.
NAN Profiles on 12/21/2014