Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Center raises arts
Havenwood lets good times roll
Havenwood backers let the good times roll and joined the nonprofit organization for the Mardi Gras Masquerade benefit Feb. 23 at Four Points by Sheraton in Bentonville. The event brought in some $60,000 for the nonprofit organization.
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 more than 600 families with more than 1,100 children in those families.
Organizers say the nonprofit group provides residents with services including individual case management, individual and family therapy, parenting and nutrition education, pre-job guidance, financial literacy training, child development and personal goal setting. Residents are also assisted with connections to transportation, community supports and public resources to help each family succeed in self-sufficiency.
The group’s Above and Beyond Award, which “celebrates an individual who works tirelessly behind the scenes” in support of Havenwood and its residents, was presented to Jasmine Hudson and Jae Merchant of JazzyJae NWA. “These ladies always provide childcare for Tuesday night group and continuously work to move the mission of Havenwood forward, ” said Regan Eaton, development director.
Paul Wood, board member for 11 years, was given the Mary Lynn Montgomery Award as someone “who never stops serving and is always involved.” Eaton said, “Paul is
our outgoing board president and has worked hard to drive awareness and create opportunities for growth.”
Those helping Havenwood included Susan and Pat Kennedy, Lorena and Paul Wood, Lori and Randy Erskine, Brenda and Eric Meyer and Angie and Boyd Evert.
Arts were on the rise Feb. 23 at the Arts Center of the Ozarks in Springdale at the Arts Rising Gala.
The evening included dueling pianos, a wine studio, a Roots Fest listening room, games to win Botox or a television, an auction focused on highlighting downtown Springdale businesses and tastes from Chef Miles James.
The group recognized Lynn and Joel Carver for their continued support of the center.
Among those raising the arts were Katy Garner, Tareneh and Lance Manning, Jennifer and Derek Gibson, Caroline and Eric Leemis, Mary Bassett and Hank Broyles, Carol Lynn and Don Gibson, Mary Ann and Pilip Taldo, Betsy and Milan Jilka, Mary and Brian Dean, Dorothy and Andrew Cardiel, Jamey and Mike Sims, Becky and Tommy Free, Kednyal Free, Allyson Patrick, Candace DixonHorne and Joan and John Threet.
For more event photos — nwadg.com/photos/society.