Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Arts rising at center
Havenwood takes journey
Havenwood supporters joined the organization as it marked its 25th year of service at the annual Journey Gala on Feb. 24 at Metroplex Event Center in Rogers. Tony Waller, Walmart senior director of constituent relations, served as the evening’s master of ceremonies.
Havenwood provides transitional housing for single mothers and their children. Residents participate in the group’s life skills development program and are required to work or attend school full time and volunteer. The nonprofit organization has helped some 600 families with more than 1,000 children in those families.
Crystal Harry shared with guests her experience as a former resident at Havenwood and credits her success in life to the care and support they gave her.
The group recognized two longtime supporters with awards at the benefit. Debbie Martin, executive director, presented volunteer Susan Eiler the Above and Beyond Award, which “celebrates an individual who works tirelessly behind the scenes” in support of Havenwood and its residents.
Susan Kennedy, Havenwood founding member, received the Mary Lynn Montgomery Award for being someone “who never stops serving and is always involved.”
Those joining Havenwood for the journey included Paul Wood, Channing Barker, Emily and John Douglas, Diane and Mike Carney, Patty Creighton, Krisha Williams-Voss, Stephanie and Dan Freedle, Carol and Ed Clifford, Bridget Baird, Elizabeth Kyle, Alexandra Lange, Terra Lewis, Darci Burch, Patti Barker, and honorary chairwoman Michelle Fittro and Nathan Eikenberry.
Arts were on the rise at Arts Center of the Ozarks for the Arts Rising Gala on Feb. 24 at the center in Springdale. Lynn and Joel Carver opened their Springdale home for a VIP party for arts center board members, sponsors and patrons before the benefit that same evening. The group recognized Diane and Bob Shaw for their continued support of the center. “We want to lift up people who are elevating the arts through the mission at the arts center. This year, we especially want to honor Bob and Diane Shaw for their consistent support in major ways. This kind of support is how, together, we will build a thriving community socially, culturally and economically,” said Tareneh Manning, arts center board president and gala chairwoman.
Lynn and Joel Carver, Debby and Chris Weiser, Carol Lynn and Don Gibson, Margarita Felic and Al Lopez, Karolyn and Don Farrell, Rebecca and Tommy Free, Candace Dixon-Horne, Dorothy and Andrew Cardiel, Elizabeth Weathers, Anna Marie and Michael Jarrett, Kim Aaron, Sirod Meineke and Derek Gibson.
For more event photos — nwadg.com/photos/society.