Cupcakes, Kool cap week

Scholarship Fund lauds corporations

Cupcakes and Cocktails held strong in its second year, raising some $180,000 for the Miller McNeil Woodruff Foundation. The event drew an estimated 800 guests to the Fayetteville Town Center on March 29 and included a buffet courtesy of Qdoba, live and silent auctions, dancing to Groovement and lots of chevrons. The chevron is the nonprofit organization’s logo.

The all-volunteer organization supports Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Circle of Life Hospice and Families of SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy), all of which assisted Meredith and Patrick Woodruff during the 87 days their son, Miller, lived.

Those enjoying Cupcakes and Cocktails included Meredith and Patrick Woodruff, Peggy and Buddy Jordan, Rhonda and Jim Woodruff, Gail and Brad Feagans and Adriana and Heath Stacey.

Kool and the Gang helped the Washington Regional Foundation “get down on it” at the group’s 20th annual Eagle Awards and Gala on Tuesday evening at Walton Arts Center.

Before the performance, the foundation presented its Eagle Awards in recognition of those who have made outstanding contributions to the improvement of health care in Northwest Arkansas. The 2013 Eagle Awards went to Dr. David Ratcliff, the Cancer Challenge and the late Dr. George Robert Cole.

Organizers also took the opportunity to laud Bill Rogers, who recently retired as the executive director of the foundation.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward purchasing specialized beds for the hospital’s Critical Care Unit.

Those celebrating with the hospital included Eloise and Jeff Davis, Christina and Steven Hinds, Jeanne Cole, Mandy Macke, Carolyn Allen, Dorothy and Al Hanby, Jane and Dave Gearhart, Hannah and Greg Lee, Susan and Tony Hui, Woody Bassett, Butch and Roy Clinton, Denise and Hershey Garner, Eileen and Jeff Schomburger and Kristen and Rich Kley.

Rosalind Brewer, Sam’s Club president and chief executive, and Twyla Francis, Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Benton County student, helped the organization thank its sponsors Wednesday. Both were featured speakers at the eighth annual Corporate Appreciation Luncheon at the Doubletree Guest Suites in Bentonville.

Rosalind emphasized the importance of community and corporate support for nonprofit organizations like the scholarship fund and told the corporate representatives present, “Don’t ever think you’re not making a difference.”

Those making a difference for single parent scholars included Judy Hammond, Mary Schneider, Jay Elliott, Nancy and Dick Trammel, Carla Herren, Tom Nannarone, Chris Smith, Chris Wenzler, Ryan Farrell, Shelle Summers and Pete Metzger.

STAFF PHOTOS CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Buddy and Peggy Jordan, from left, Meredith and Patrick Woodruff and Rhonda and Jim Woodruff welcome guests to the second annual Cupcakes and Cocktails fundraiser for the Miller McNeil Woodruff Foundation on March 29.

Judy Hammond, from left, and Mary Schneider, Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Benton County board members, Rosalind Brewer, Sam’s Club president and chief executive, and Twyla Francis, scholarship student, gather at the organization’s Corporate...

Dr. David Ratcliff, Eagle Award honoree, third from left, is joined by his family, Adam Ratcliff, from left, Kathryn Doland, Jason Ratcliff, Cynthia Ratcliff and Kristan Hinn at the Washington Regional Gala on Tuesday evening.

Terri Hooe, from left, Tina Waggener, The Cancer Challenge executive director, Steven Hinds, gala chairman, Nancy and Dick Trammel and Dawn and Greg Spragg gather at the Washington Regional Foundation fundraiser Tuesday evening. The Cancer Challenge...

Jeanne Cole, right, and her daughter Jordan Henry attend the Washington Regional Gala and Eagle Awards at the Walton Arts Center. Jeanne accepted the Eagle Award on behalf of her late husband, Dr. George Robert Cole.

Amber Hargis, from left, Amy Vandever, Erica Whorton, Heath and Adriana Stacy and Lakin Wilson help support Cupcakes and Cocktails on March 29.

Brad and Gail Feagans, from left, Nancee Feagans and Stacey and Brandon Feagans volunteer at Cupcakes and Cocktails at the Fayetteville Town Center.

Michael Stimis and Amy Fry, from left, Larry and Erica Schmitz, Aaron and Amanda Denson and Eric and Hollie Hudson help support the Miller McNeil Woodruff Foundation.