Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Tastings benefit groups
Supporters ‘Restore Humanity’
Boys & Girls Club of Benton County backers gathered to Sip, Savor and Support the nonprofit organization Oct. 5 at the Record in Bentonville. The $91,000 raised from the benefit will “help complete the finishing touches of renovation for our Teen Center in Rogers and begin the process to help raise additional funds for operating expenses of the facility,” said Sabrina Rampy, development director.
Those backing the club included Nancy and Drew Collom, Ted Fox, Mary Zettle, Kathy and Joe Farnan, Eugene Kublanov, Kasey Rhodes, Michelle James, Sarah Heimer, chief executive as of Oct. 3, Al Dominguez and Chandra Holt, honorary event co-hosts.
Ellen and Malcolm Hayward welcomed Symphony of Northwest Arkansas patrons to their Fayetteville home Oct. 6 for Fireworks at the Farm. Proceeds will help support the nonprofit organization’s artistic and educational initiatives.
Guests enjoyed dinner prepared by Ellen, live music by Hogtown Hot Club and an opportunity to meet Nick Bell, new SONA assistant conductor from Kansas City, Mo. Matt Herren, executive director, said Bell will be assisting Paul Haas, conductor and music director, during the rehearsal process. “He’s an extra set of hands, ears and eyes.”
The symphony kicked off its season Saturday with Masterworks: Tchaikovsky. Next up will be A Very SONA Christmas on Dec. 16 and The Snowman: A Family Concert on Dec. 17.
Those supporting the symphony at the farm included Mary and George Benjamin, Laura and Bruce Wilkins, Don Deweese, Roger Collins, Lindsey Collins, Tom King, Drew Hutchison, Margaret Whillock, Diane and Bob Shaw, Debbie Evans,
Rosemary Conrad, Janice Stanesic, Cheryl Kester and Dan Sanker.
Winetopia drew more than 350 Restore Humanity supporters that same night to Pratt Place Barn. The evening featured wine, local craft beer, bourbon and food tastings from area restaurants. The organization started the James Christopher Opot Children’s Center. Sarah Fennel Buchanon said the children’s center is home to 19 children and is sponsoring three RH Scholars from the orphanage attending the University of Arkansas. As the kids at the orphanage graduate from high school, “we want to set them up to be leaders in their community and help them change their community.” With the JCO Graduate Program, “we help them to pursue a marketable skill through a vocational program or technical school.”
Next up will be the organization’s wine dinner April 22 at Bordinos.
Among those helping Restore Humanity were Gina and Neal Pendergraft, Leslie and Scott Bailey, Allyson and William Mertins, Tareneh Manning, Jean Ann and Joe Fennel, Chris and Jeremy Beavers and Candy Clark and Teddy Cardwell.
For more event photos — nwadg.com/photos/society.