Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Hospital lauds leader
Center dreams big
The circus was in town for two recent charity fundraisers, beginning with the 23rd Washington Regional Gala. Washington Regional Medical Foundation backers were entertained by Quixotic Cirque Nouveau on July 15 at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville. The act included aerialists, dancers, visual artists and musicians.
More than 500 guests helped the foundation raise what is expected to exceed $100,000 to help support its Patient Benevolence Fund, which offers assistance to patients who are experiencing financial difficulties. Hospital case managers and social workers can help patients with needs such as medical equipment, supplies, living expenses and transportation required to complete their recovery.
Greg Lee, Washington Regional board chairman, presented the organization’s Vision Award to William L. Bradley, Washington Regional chief executive officer, who will retire in November.
The Vision Award was created to “recognize the outstanding achievements of those who have made a profound and lasting positive impact on the health of Northwest Arkansas in general and Washington Regional Medical System in particular.”
The recognition is the result of a unanimous vote by the board of directors to award the hospital’s highest honor, making this only the third presentation.
Next up is Savor the Flavor Sept. 5 in Fayetteville and Sept. 28 in Bentonville; and Friends of Hospice Autumn Brunch on Nov. 7.
Those helping health care included Hannah and Greg Lee, Sheri and Woody Bassett, Butch and Roy Clinton, Dorothy and Al Hanby, Lewis Epley, Vickie and Bill Mathews, Elaine and David Longer, Stacey and Kris Hanby, Holly and Tim Helder,
Susan Chase-Bakker and Johnny Bakker, LeAnn and Bill Underwood, Joanie and Jon Dyer, Susan and Tony Hui, Lynn and Joel Carver and Carol and David Ratcliff.
Nimbus Circus was on hand for the Children’s Safety Center’s 10th annual Dream Big Charity Gala on July 22 at the Fayetteville Town Center. The troupe features fire dancers, jugglers, magicians and aerialists.
The Children’s Safety Center coordinates investigation, prosecution and treatment services in child abuse cases with law enforcement, child protective services, victim service providers, prosecutors, medical personnel, mental health professionals and volunteers. The nonprofit organization is marking its 20th anniversary this year and has worked with more than 8,000 since opening its doors.
Those dreaming big for the Children’s Safety Center included Kara Dearien, Dream Big co-chairwoman, and Will Loan, Sarah, co-chairwoman, and Jacob White, Laura and Jason Landers, Jamie Davis, John Newman, Jennifer Irwin, Kirby Jett Harris, Karis Chastain, Amy and Louis Morgan, Larra and Joe Donaldson, Morgan and Dustin Roberts, Amy and J.S. Bull and Megan and Joe Neal.
For more event photos — nwadg.com/photos/society.