The 23rd annual Charity Challenge of Champions saw more than 300 golfers and tennis players help support the Arkansas Crisis Center.
The multi-day fundraiser included clinics with celebrity pros, tournaments and social gatherings. The cocktail-attire dinner and auction Sept. 19 at the Pinnacle Country Club clubhouse in Rogers featured an Italian theme and live auction items that included tickets for two to attend Wimbledon, a one-week stay in a Tuscan villa and a NASCAR VIP experience.
At a Glance
Dinner and Auction
Who: Charity Challenge of Champions
What: Proceeds from the 23rd annual event will help support the Arkansas Crisis Center.
When: Sept. 19
Where: Pinnacle Country Club in Rogers
Information: nwacharitychallenge…
Reception and dinner
Who: Arkansas Children’s Hospital
What: Robin and Gary George with Mary Kathryn and Matt Brown played hosts Thursday evening as Arkansas Children’s Hospital celebrated the naming of Dr. Jay Deshpande as the hospital’s leader.
When: Thursday
Where: The Georges’ home in Fayetteville
Information: archildrens.org
VIP Reception
Who: Hope Cancer Resources
What: The 11th annual Bill Fleeman Gentlemen of Distinction fundraiser will benefit Hope Cancer Resources.
When: Thursday
Where: Jeannie Fleeman’s home in Rogers.
Next: Bill Fleeman Gentlemen of Distinction, Oct. 3
Information: (479)361-5847 or hopecancerresources…
Patti McGill, sponsorship chairman of the Challenge, told me that final numbers are not in, but the group is confident they are near their goal of raising $100,000 this year to help the Arkansas Crisis Center. The crisis center operates 24-hour telephone hot-line and online crisis chat, survivors of suicide support group and provides suicide prevention and awareness training.
Crisis Center Champions gathering at the clubhouse for dinner included Susan and Stu Todd, Karen and Paul Mahan, Andi and Jeremy Pratt, Amanda Whittaker, Erica and Chad Zubriski, Helene and Matthew Carter, Diane and Wayne Callahan, Rachel and Brian Nutt, Michelle and Mike Hudson and Courtney and Matt Kistler, honorary chairman.
Mary Kathryn and Matt Brown with Robin and Gary George played hosts Thursday evening as Arkansas Children's Hospital celebrated the naming of Dr. Jay Deshpande as chief medical officer of the hospital and the Harvey and Bernice Jones Endowed Chair in Pediatrics.
Those celebrating with Children's included Anna and Carl George, Samantha and Charles George, Patrick Swope, Lynn Donald and Joel Carver, Betsy and Loyd Phillips, Patrick Woodruff, Jill and Mike Sewell and Joan and Ed Clifford.
Jeannie Fleeman opened her Rogers home that same evening for models and other VIPs involved with the 2014 Bill Fleeman Gentlemen of Distinction event. The benefit is slated for Friday Oct. 3 and will feature a men's fashion show, dinner, drinks and live and silent auctions. The 11th annual event will see more than a dozen gentlemen vying to raise the most money for Hope Cancer Resources.
This year's contenders are Derek Brautnick, Josh Bruns, Lucas Campbell, Will Gladden, Brian Groves, Matt Kistler, Tom Lambert, Lee Long, Brian McMurray, Carey Otwell, Caleb Pennington, Will Prettyman, Jon Sims, Bryan Smith and Bill Waitsman. The Bill Fleeman Gentleman of Distinction Award will go to Steven Harms.
Columnist Carin Schoppmeyer can be reached by email at cschoppmeyer@nwaonline.com.
NAN Profiles on 09/28/2014