Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Shoppers provide support
Saving Grace blooms
Ozark Guidance Foundation supporters were treated to a private preview and a chance to shop the Walk a Mile In My Shoes benefit sale of new and gently used shoes and handbags on April 13, the eve of the sale for the general public at the Holiday Inn in Springdale.
Those getting a peek at peeptoes, platforms and purses included Jennifer and Rayburn Green, Amy and Chris May, Laura Tyler, Kelsey and John Michael Fohner, Teri and Gary Head, Cherise Allison, Jaclynn and Frank Johnson, Jackie and Sumner Brashears, Katy and Justin Hunt, Rachael and Farris DeBoard and Kevin Hatfield.
More than 1,100 Miller McNeill Woodruff Foundation backers joined the group April 13 at the John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers for the seventh annual Cupcakes & Cocktails benefit.
The more than $385,000 raised from the fundraiser will go toward fulfilling the nonprofit organization’s goal to “raise awareness, fund research and offer support” to families with children diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).
Meredith and Patrick Woodruff established the foundation after their son, Miller, was diagnosed with SMA and died at the age of 87 days in 2011. SMA, the No. 1 genetic killer of children younger than 2, destroys the nerves controlling voluntary muscle movement.
The nonprofit foundation has raised more than $1 million since its start and has helped support Cure SMA, the Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Circle of Life Hospice, Mamie’s Poppy Plates, The Amazeum, Ronald McDonald
affected by SMA.
Guests gathered for Cupcakes and Cocktails included Jamie and Russ Daniel, Brandy and John Furner, Julie and Keith Barber, Rossi Morreale, Natalie and Lance Weathers, Erika and Brian Dutrieux, Helga and Adam Coleman and Meagan and David Baker.
Saving Grace supporters turned out in record numbers April 19 for the ninth annual Butterflies and Blooms benefit luncheon at the John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers.
Saving Grace, a Christcentered nonprofit organization, works with young women 18 to 25 who have “aged out” of foster care or group homes. Providing transitional living, the group also equips residents with independent living education, educational assistance and a support system that is missing for most of the girls. The nonprofit organization is 100 percent privately supported through donations and grants, with no federal funding.
Butterflies and Blooms backers included Becky and Kent Shaffer, Susan and Steve Goss, Sarah Gillmer, James Vawter, Cookie Parker, Lisa Chambers, Raynisha Robinson, Brian Looney, Jody and Keith Helton, Meka Cox, Amy Eichler and Kimberley Velasco.
For more event photos — nwadg.com/photos/society.