Patrons pony up for pediatrics

Scholarship group gives a ‘hand up’

Charles Redfield headlined the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Benton County benefit Corporate Luncheon on May 2 at the Embassy Suites in Rogers. Redfield, Walmart U.S. food division executive vice president, told those gathered the nonprofit organization “is about creating opportunity for single parents.” The Northwest Arkansas native and University of Arkansas graduate also gave guests some insight into Walmart’s plans for retail competition.

Christine Nance, alumna speaker, shared her experiences with the scholarship organization, saying it was there for her in more than finances as she completed degrees at Northwest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville and John Brown University in Siloam Springs. The group assisted her with purchasing tires for her car, Christmas for her daughter and counseling.

Along with financial aid for tuition and books, scholarship recipients are offered emotional support, career development resources, school supplies, assistance with household and vehicle expenses, mentoring, life skills workshops and referral to other community services. Proceeds from the benefit will go toward scholarships.

Among those supporting single parent scholarships were Sue Redfield, Sarah Redfield, Ann Myers, Sherry Harris, Janet Hendren, Pete Metzger, Kent Shaffer, John Scott, Tina Winham, Jennifer and Shawn Watts, Rich Davis and Brian Wood.

Northwest Arkansas Circle of Friends patrons ponied up for pediatric care at the eighth annual A Nite at the Races on May 6 at the Fayetteville Town Center to benefit Arkansas Children’s Northwest. The benefit presented by Arkansas Children’s Circle of Friends offered a Kentucky Derby theme, replete with large ladies’ hats and “betting” on horses.

Next up for the group are Will Golf for Kids on Aug. 3 and 4 and the Color of Hope Gala on Aug. 4

Those ponying up for pediatrics included Russ Taylor, Shannon Overton, Stacye Peebles, Amber Forga, Toni Bahn and Michael Lindsey, Janna Pittman, Ryan Irsik, Pedro Maldonada, Jana Corey, Meg Benedetti and Jo and Sen. Uvalde Lindsey.

For more event photos — nwadg.com/photos/society.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Emily and Brian Avra hold their children Beckett and Austyn at A Nite at the Races on May 6 at Fayetteville Town Center.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Shannon Overton (from left) Amber Forga, Russ Taylor, Stacye Peebles and Darynne Dahlem help Circle of Friends raise money for Arkansas Children’s Hospital on May 6.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Charles and Sue Redfield (from left) visit with Jack Eaton, Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Benton County executive director, before the group’s Corporate Luncheon.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Ann Myers (from left), Janet Hendren, Sherry Harris and Sarah Redfield attend the Corporate Luncheon.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Jake McBride (from left), Dawnell Grant, Chris Magness and Jay Steele gather at A Nite at the Races.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Daniel Armbruster (from left), Pete Metzger and Yuna Lee help support Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Benton County.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Janna Pittman (from left), Ryan Irsik, Michael Lindsey and Toni Bahn enjoy A Nite at the Races.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Donna Gibson (left) and Christine Nance, alumna speaker, attend the Corporate Luncheon on May 2 at Embassy Suites in Rogers

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Sen. Uvalde and Jo Lindsey attend A Nite at the Races.