Scholarship group lauds partners

Theater group honors Trotter

The Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas played host to the 16th annual Spark of Hope dinner June 21 at the Fayetteville Town Center. More than 440 guests and sponsors helped the group raise $178,591.

Jessica Frasher, current scholarship recipient, and Jacqueline Anderson, scholarship alumna, shared their perspectives of the benefits provided by the scholarships.

The event celebrates the group’s scholarship campaign and recognizes community partners. Spark of Hope honorees were:

Susan and Gene Anderson — Individual Award;

United Bank — Corporate Support;

The Event Group — Community Partner;

Susan O’Brien, McNair Middle School — Supportive Employer;

Catherine Heath, English Composition, Northwest Arkansas Community College — Supportive Professor; and

Beth Tiller — Distinguished Alumni

Arts Live Theatre patrons gathered for the annual Laugh Out Loud Gala: All Aboard on June 23 at the Fayetteville Town Center. Proceeds from the evening will help support the nonprofit organization’s scholarship fund and programming.

That evening the group honored Kathleen Trotter, executive director of the Arts Center of the Ozarks in Springdale, for her work in the arts.

Outstanding Teaching Awards were presented to:

Emily Johnston — elementary, level, Fayetteville Montessori School;

Brent Parks — middle level, West Fork Schools;

Tony Terrell — high school level, Springdale HarBer High School; and

Jennifer Brown — private voice coach.

The nonprofit organization’s mission is “to empower children and enrich lives through excellence in children’s theater and education.” The group, founded in 1983, offers arts education and performance opportunities for children ages 5 through 18. Arts Live offers more than 50 classes and works with more than 400 children annually.

Partial and full scholarships cover class, camp and participation fees. According to the scholarship application, “The Bumpin Scholarship Fund of Arts Live Theatre was established in 2003 to offer need-based scholarships to students interested in participating in Arts Live Theatre classes or productions.”

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

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Amelia Bautista (center), is joined by her children Bryndell Cook (from left), Bliyse Cook, Byanca Cook and Bryton Cook at the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas Spark of Hope on June 21 at the Fayetteville Town Center.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Riley Morrison (from left), Sandy Martin and Shellie and Joe Morrison gather for a photo at Spark of Hope. The Event Group, Shellie’s company, was given the Community Partner Spark of Hope Award.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Susan and Gene Anderson, Spark of Hope Individual Award honorees, attend the benefit dinner on June 21.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Kathleen Trotter, Arts Live Theatre honoree (center) visits with Nancy Reid (left) and Ana Aguayo at the theater’s Laugh Out Loud benefit June 23 at the Fayetteville Town Center.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Tammy Ebert (from left), Amy Matthews and Katherine Calaway, Arts Live Theatre board members, welcome guests to the fundraiser on June 23.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Jacqueline Anderson, SPSFNWA scholarship alumna (center), stands with Monica Brinker (left) and Melanie Coan at Spark of Hope.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Sandy Kizer (left) and Jessica Frasher visit at Spark of Hope.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Caroline Elser (center), and her parents Janell and Mark Elser attend Laugh Out Loud.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Jason Suel (from left), Julie Gabel and Tony Terrell enjoy the Arts Live Theatre benefit.