Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
CASA sees Light of Hope
Heart Association prepares for Paint
The Light of Hope breakfast benefit for Court Appointed Special Advocates of Northwest Arkansas saw some 700 supporters Nov. 17 at the John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers for the annual fundraiser.
Charles Redfield, Walmart executive vice president, delivered the keynote address for the benefit. He encouraged guests to help support the nonprofit organization through donations and volunteering as an advocate for children in the family court system.
CASA provides trained volunteers to represent children in the jurisdiction of family courts throughout a child’s case.
Redfield said there are some 4,000 children in foster care in Arkansas, with one-fifth of them in Northwest Arkansas. “Kids in foster care need a voice, need consistency, need an advocate for them — most importantly, they need hope.”
CASA of Northwest Arkansas served more than 500 children last year and the $231,000 raised from the breakfast and a luncheon that same day will help the group serve an additional 150 children this year.
Mistress of ceremonies for the breakfast was Sally Welborn, Walmart senior vice president, global benefits, and Adam Dill, General Mills, vice president, zone sales, served as honorary chairman. The luncheon at the Northwest Arkansas Convention Center in Springdale featured Sara Lilygren, Tyson executive vice president, corporate affairs, as keynote speaker and Brock Gearhart, Greenwood Gearhart president, as master of ceremonies.
Among those starting their day with CASA were Brittney Duke, Lisa and Donald Drewry, Mark Mast, Crystal Vickmark, Sarah Green, Kim Lane, Julia Springer, Celia Boon, Janet Hendren, Mike Schmandt and Olga Hamilton.
The American Heart Association of Northwest Arkansas welcomed sponsors, committee members and other backers for Paint the Town Red kickoff event that evening at Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Rogers.
Slated for Jan. 23, the annual fundraiser at the Fayetteville Town Center will feature tastes from area restaurants, silent auction, adult beverages and live music from Almost Famous.
Other upcoming fundraisers to further the association’s efforts in education, support, research and advocacy are Go Red for Women on Feb. 16, Northwest Arkansas Heart Walk on April 16 and the Heart Ball on May 14.
Those at the Paint pre-party included Emily Crandall and Josh Saffran, Sarah and Buster Arnwine, Michelle Bennett, Jessi Cole, Tammy York,
Aaron Duncan, Sharon Fuston, Cheri Brown, Shelly Bladdick, Corey Williamson, John Monczynski, Justin Parker and Charles Moore II.
Peter Lane, Walton Arts Center chief executive officer, opened his home Nov. 19 for the Diana Krall president’s reception preceding the jazz musician’s performance that night at the arts center in Fayetteville.
Those enjoy enjoying the pre-performance get-together included Susan and Tom Schallhorn, Evelyn and Dennis Shaw, Pamm and Paul Prebil, Celia Swanson, Corinna and Alan Dranow, Carmen and Mike Bauza, DeDe Priest, Gail and Randy Goodrum, Cyndy and John Mears and Sheila and Den Roenfeldt.
For more event photos — nwadg.com/photos/society.