Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Mercy hits million
Foundation lauds walk-ons
Some 300 Youth Bridge backers went Somewhere South of St. Somewhere Dec. 4 to raise about $50,000 to help the group kick off its holiday giving campaign. The money raised will help youth and families in need during the holidays. Wish lists for holiday giving can be found at: facebook.com/youthbridgeinc.
The evening at the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House in Fayetteville featured Parrot Head favorites — cheeseburgers, french fried potatoes and margaritas, and Margaritaville-styled live music from Bluffet and The Son of a Sailor Band, featuring Larry Pearson. Honorary co-hosts for the evening were Shawn Baldwin of Walmart and Bryant Harris of Sam’s Club.
The nonprofit organization serves youth in eight northern Arkansas counties with programs that include residential emergency shelter and in- and out-patient treatment services. Their schoolbased program helps identify early signs of mental or emotional distress in children. Nancy Hairston, marketing, outreach and development director, tells me it is the organization’s fastest growing program.
Those mixing it up Somewhere South of St. Somewhere included Jamie Davis, event chairwoman, Annetta and Spencer Tirey, Cindy Hudlow, Teresa Williamson, Jan and Scott Linebaugh, Jennifer and Darryl Rhoda, Karolyn and Don Farrell, and Debra and West Doss.
O Night Divine was divine indeed for the Mercy Health Foundation of Northwest Arkansas. The foundation’s 1,500 supporters brought in $1.05 million at the 22nd annual charity ball Dec. 5 at the John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers.
Proceeds from the evening will help Mercy continue providing expanded healthcare in Northwest Arkansas. The annual Dickey Ray Club fundraising drive, led by Dick Trammel, focused on procurement of therapeutic hypothermia treatment for patients following cardiac arrest.
The charity ball is an opportunity each year for the foundation to laud those who have supported their work. The foundation’s 2015 awards went to:
The Lee and Linda Scott Family — Outstanding Philanthropic Family;
The Endeavor Foundation — Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation and
Tom Hauge — Outstanding Volunteer.
Those making merry with Mercy included Elda and Eric Scott; Anita Scism; Celia Swanson; Cathy and Sen. John Boozman; Dawn and Eric Pianalto, Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas president; Susan and Dr. Steve Goss, Mercy Clinic Northwest Arkansas president; Vicki Vasser-Jenkins and Greg Jenkins; Nancy and Dick Trammel; Leslie and Ramon Zanoff; Linda and David Thrasher; Melba Shewmaker; and Diane and Wayne Callahan.
The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation played host to foundation backers and the 2015 class of Brandon Burlsworth Trophy finalists at
a private reception Dec. 7. The following day the foundation announced the winner of the trophy for the nation’s most outstanding football player who started his career as a walk-on.
Baker Mayfield, University of Oklahoma quarterback, took this year’s trophy. Other finalists were Carl Nassib, Penn State defensive end, and Luke Falk, Washington State quarterback.
The foundation and trophy are in memory of the late Brandon Burlsworth, who went from walk-on offensive lineman for the Razorbacks to All-American then to being selected as a third round draft pick by the Indianapolis Colts. “Greater,” a movie about Burlsworth’s life, is set to be released Jan. 22.
Among those gathering with the foundation and finalists were Tommy Tice, Linda Hankins, Sean Bedford, Kim and Mike McFarland, Randy Martin, Gene Anderson, Gary Collier, Dean Weber, Rick Barrows, Barbara Burlsworth and Vickie and Marty Burlsworth.
For more event photos — nwadg.com/photos/society.