Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Bingo boosts program
Supporters plant seeds of hope
Healing Gardens of Northwest Arkansas supporters planted Seeds of Hope at the second annual benefit July 26 at the Barn at the Springs in Springdale.
Gary Oliver, executive director of the Center for Healthy Relationships at John Brown University in Siloam Springs and cancer survivor, provided the evening’s keynote address, Gratitude and Joy: Becoming More than a Survivor. Oliver also is a professor of psychology and practical theology.
Co-chairmen Vicki Petree and her son, Lance Petree, spoke of the loss of their husband and father, Rick, and his desire for Highlands Oncology patients to have a place “where [they] could find peace … a place on the grounds to be able to pray, reflect.”
Proceeds from the event will go toward construction of the garden, planned to be open in 2020 behind the Highlands Oncology Group facility on Horsebarn Road in Rogers, just off the Razorback Greenway. The garden will include a labyrinth, waterfall, 2.2 acres of gardens, sculptures, a reflecting pool and a stone-stacking area.
Those planting seeds of hope included Pam Cicioni and Teddy Woods, Meritt Hutchison, Sharon and Charles Killian, Carolyn Baltz, Alisha Gourley, Kathleen and Arnold Smith, Terri and Alan Lane, Eileen and Walt Jennings, Audra Flammang, Ann and Paul Dubbell and Joyce Mendenhall.
Bobby Odom and the Odom Law Firm welcomed guests for the 45th annual Seafood Jubilee on July 28 at the Fayetteville-Springdale Elks Lodge in Fayetteville.
Along with Bobby, firm members playing host were Conrad Odom, Matt Lindsay, Alan Lane, Bryant Crooks and Thomas Odom.
Elizabeth Richardson Center backers joined the nonprofit
organization for its annual Beach Bingo Bash on July 29 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fayetteville.
In addition to bingo games with prizes, the evening included Mansur Choudry, a nationally recognized expert on autism, as the featured speaker.
The group serves children and adults with disabilities in Washington, Benton and Madison counties. For high school students and adults, the group provides vocational training, job placement, community involvement and independent living options.
Offerings for preschool children, ages 6 weeks to 5 years, at the Child Development Centers include speech, physical and occupational therapies.
Bingo bounty will help support the center’s expanding autism program. The program is the first of its kind to be offered by a nonprofit disability service provider in Arkansas.
The centers are in Farmington, Fayetteville, Huntsville, Springdale and Siloam Springs. The center in Springdale provides services for Hispanic and Marshallese families.
The organization also operates Richardson Industries, which employs adults with disabilities who provide contract services such packaging, assembly, light repair, sorting and labeling for businesses.
Those bingo-ing to benefit the center included Jenna Johnston, Amy and David Bates, Bill Bowen, Pat Pickett, Jeremy Minchew, Kristin and Steve Litzinger, Elizabeth Rosencutter and Cindy Acree, executive director.
For more event photos — nwadg.com/photos/society.