Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Group beats the heat
Bingo boosts Richardson Center
The Kendrick Fincher Hydration for Life Foundation played host to the Beat the Heat luncheon as part of the Mercy Sports Medicine Coaching Summit on July 25 at the John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers. The summit drew hundreds of area coaches for a day of learning about the latest developments in sports medicine.
The Fincher mission is to “promote proper hydration and prevent heat illness through education and supporting activities.”
Dr. Brian Mahaffey, St. Louis Cardinals team physician, spoke to the group about temperaturerelated injuries and how to prevent them.
The foundation’s activities include BeeSmart. BeeHydrated! hydration education for school children, presentations to athletes, coaches and parents; providing “cool huts” for outdoor events; and partnerships with other organizations that include the Arkansas Activities Association, Emergency Medical Services for Children and Arkansas Educational Television Network.
The nonprofit organization recognized seven area coaches as “Hydration Heroes”:
■ Preston Early, Rogers High School;
■ Darren Hotelling, Rogers Heritage High School;
■ Abigail Olvera, Gravette High School;
■ LouAnn Hays, Ramey Junior High;
■ Adam Remillard; Decatur High School;
■ Ryan Roughley, Bentonville Washington Junior High School; and
■ Matt Hedstrom, Bentonville West High School.
Next up for the foundation is
A Cool Summer Homecoming on Aug. 17 at the Fayetteville Town Center.
Elizabeth Richardson Center backers boosted the nonprofit organization at the Beach Bingo Bash benefit July 26 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fayetteville.
The group serves children and adults with disabilities in Washington, Benton and Madison counties. For high school students and adults, the group provides vocational training, job placement, community involvement and independent living options.
Offerings for preschool children ages 6 weeks to 5 years at its Child Development Centers include speech, physical and occupational therapies. The centers are in Farmington, Fayetteville, Huntsville, Springdale and Siloam Springs. Their center in Springdale provides services for Hispanic and Marshallese families.
The organization also operates Richardson Industries, which employs adults with disabilities who provide contract services such packaging, assembly, light repair, sorting and labeling for businesses.
Those boosting the group with bingo bounty included Amy and David Bates, Nancy Hairston, Cindy Hudlow, Annetta and Spencer Tirey, Jenna Johnston and Dave Demorotski, Rebecca and Dan Ross, Alison and Andy Miller, Amanda and Neil Barker, Ferrin Webb and Ashley and Nate Miller.
For more event photos — nwadg.com/photos/society.