Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Friends gather at center
Backers join Jones Center
Jones Center backers gathered for Big Night in California’s Wine Country on Nov. 8 at the center in Springdale. The sold-out fundraiser featured a gourmet dinner with wine pairings from California, live jazz from Hog Town Hot Club and boutique shopping and regional artists gallery.
Co-chairmen for the seventh annual benefit were Jason Nichol, Tyson Foods vice president, Walmart; and Laura Rush, Walmart vice president, frozen foods.
Kelly Kemp, center advancement director, said the event raised a record $450,000. “This important funding benefits the annual operations of The Jones Center. Next year’s Big Night Gala, set for Friday, November 6th, will celebrate the 25th anniversary year of the Center!”
The organization, whose mission is “to bring people together by serving families, strengthening communities, and serving God, making it a better place to live,” allows the center to continue offering popular series and classes such as hot yoga, spin cycle, recreational hockey, youth gymnastics, dance and ice skating classes and the Runway Bike Park.
Those joining The Jones Center in California’s Wine Country included Betsy and Loyd Phillips, Holly and Jim Breach, Mary and John George, Karolyn and Don Farrell, John Ervin, Mindy and Marc Sherwood, Gilda and Kyle Underwood, Nicole and and Corey Bender, Ebony and William Wyatt, Celia Swanson, Mary and Dick Stockland, Lynn and Joel Carver, Patty and Noel White and Carol and Ed Clifford.
Walton Arts Center officials played host to Around the World: An Evening with Friends on Nov. 8 at the arts center in Fayetteville. The annual gathering is a thankyou to patrons for their support of the nonprofit organization.
Peter Lane, center chief executive officer, thanked those gathered for supporting the center as “a group of dedicated individuals and families who understand how vital the arts are to Northwest Arkansas and have donated to the Walton Arts Center.”
Next up for the theater will be a production of A Christmas Story, The Musical set for Dec. 10-15.
Friends gathering at the arts center included Marti and Kelly Sudduth, Candace and Dave Starling, Marybeth and Micky Mayfield, Terry and Mike Johnson, Joyce Stafford, and Jack Cole, Amy and Rick Sorrell, Debbie and Tim Ogg, Pamm and Paul Prebil, Mary and Bud Storey and Robert Murphy III and Beau Reynolds.
For more event photos — nwadg.com/photos/society.