Hearts beat together for one day

Association launches Woman of Impact

Backers of Paint the Town Red, the Heart Ball and Go Red for Women will have the opportunity to experience a little of all three signature events on May 21 when the Northwest Arkansas area of the American Heart Association plays host to the Heart of Northwest Arkansas.

Organizers say: “The combined digital event has something for everyone: health-conscious women and men who have and would have attended the AHA’s annual Go Red for Women luncheon; fans of the yearly Heart Ball, a blacktie optional seated dinner, auction and dance; and millennial professionals and others who are drawn to the annual Paint the Town Red party with a purpose.” The theme, “Bringing Our Hearts Together,” is a nod to the cooperation of association staff and event chairmen in bringing together these fundraisers for one blockbuster benefit.

The benefit will feature stories of Northwest Arkansans whose lives have been affected by heart disease and stroke. Guests will also learn the way the association puts local funds to work to combat the nation’s No. 1 and No. 5 killers.

The organization recently announced the inaugural class of “Woman of Impact” nominees. The new initiative is part of the association’s Go Red for Women movement. Nominees are selected for their passion for the mission of the American Heart Association and engage their personal and professional networks to join them in supporting its mission and work. Nominees will conclude an eight-week fundraising campaign April 18 with the top fundraiser being named this year’s Woman of Impact on April 30 and introduced at the May 21 event.

The 2021 nominees are:

• Dr. Maria Baldasare, an interventional cardiologist with Northwest Health;

• Gena Johnson Bumgarner, vice president of sales and distribution K-12, Tyson Foods Inc.;

• Stephanie Martinez, sales and replenishment analyst, PPI Beauty;

• Tina Winham, Walmart Outdoor lead, Spin Master; and

• Kristine Joji-Wood, senior merchandise director, fresh bakery, Walmart.

The 2021 class of 47 American Heart Association Sweethearts will also be introduced during the benefit. The girls are high school sophomores who spent the past nine months learning the importance of a hearthealthy life.

Each Heart of Northwest Arkansas registered guest will receive a party box, goody bag and a meal. The event will also include live and silent auctions and special entertainment. Guests are encouraged to participate safely in groups at home, exercising covid-19 precautions.

Chairmen of the combined event include Marlena Bond, vice president, private brand consumables, Walmart; Jason Fremstad, vice president, adult beverage, Walmart; Silvia Azrai Kawas, vice president, private brand grocery, Walmart; Diana Marshall, executive vice president, hardlines, Walmart; Tom McDonald, Bayer Consumer Health, Walmart and Sam’s Club VP and team leader; Megan Timberlake, Walmart team lead, beauty, health and grooming, Procter & Gamble; and Venessa Yates, vice president, snacks, Walmart.

Tom McDonald, Heart Ball co-chairman (center), is joined by his family, Mitch McDonald (from left), Sarah Newton and Maggie and Justin McDonald at the American Heart Association Heart Ball Feb. 21, 2020, at the John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers. Tom is a chairman of the Heart of Northwest Arkansas digital event, set for May 21. (NWA Democrat-Gazette file photo/Carin Schoppmeyer)

(NWA Democrat-Gazette file photo/ Carin Schoppmeyer) Barbara Putman and Peter Lane (from left), Judith McKenna and Phil Dutton, Megan Timberlake and Jessica Hendrix gather at a Feb. 22, 2020, benefit in Fayetteville. Timberlake is a chairwoman of the Heart of Northwest Arkansas.

(NWA Democrat-Gazette file photo/Carin Schoppmeyer) Silvia Azrai-Kawas (from left), Jody Penson and Debbie Alsup, 2020 Go Red for Women co-chairwomen, welcome American Heart Association supporters to the Healthy, Beautiful You Circle of Red kick-off Oct. 3, 2019, at Haxton Road Studios in Bentonville. Azrai-Kawas is a chairwoman of the Heart of Northwest Arkansas.

(NWA Democrat-Gazette file photo/Carin Schoppmeyer) Michael and Marlena Bond help support a Northwest Arkansas nonprofit organization in 2016. Marlena is a chairwoman of the Heart of Northwest Arkansas.

(NWA Democrat-Gazette file photo/Carin Schoppmeyer) Jason and Katie Fremsted, from left, and Louis Greth help support an area charity in 2014. Jason is a chairman of the Heart of Northwest Arkansas.

(NWA Democrat-Gazette file photo/Carin Schoppmeyer) Diana Marshall (left) and Kimberly Joubert, 2019 Go Red for Women co-chairwomen, visit with Dr. Phill McGraw after the American Heart Association fundraiser. Marshall is a chairwoman of the Heart of Northwest Arkansas.

(Courtesy photo) Gena Johnson Bumgarner, vice president of sales and distribution K-12, Tyson Foods Inc., is a member of the inaugural class of Go Red for Women “Woman of Impact” nominees.

(Courtesy photo) Tina Winham, Walmart Outdoor lead, Spin Master, is a member of the inaugural class of Go Red for Women “Woman of Impact” nominees.

(Courtesy photo) Dr. Maria Baldasare, an interventional cardiologist with Northwest Health, is a member of the inaugural class of Go Red for Women “Woman of Impact” nominees.

(Courtesy photo) Stephanie Martinez, sales and replenishment analyst, PPI Beauty, is a member of the inaugural class of Go Red for Women “Woman of Impact” nominees.

(Courtesy photo) Kristine Joji-Wood, Walmart senior merchandise director – fresh bakery, is a member of the inaugural class of Go Red for Women “Woman of Impact” nominees.