Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Jones Center imagines possibilities
New programs, activities coming
Backers of The Jones Center gathered for Big Night: An Evening of Illusion, A World of Possibilities on Nov. 4 at the center in Springdale. The fundraiser that helped bring in some $300,000 featured a gourmet dinner with wine pairings, an update on the center’s campus vision and spectacular entertainment by Reza: The Edge of Illusion. Co-chairmen for the annual benefit were Bill Bowen, Tyson Foods; and Laura Rush, Walmart.
“The Jones Center is reimagining its campus in downtown Springdale to modernize the 50-plus acre site and remain relevant in the ever-changing Northwest Arkansas region,” a news release stated. “The Jones Campus Vision project is made possible with a Design Excellence grant, announced in October 2020.”
Terri Trotter, CEO of The Jones Center, tells me: “Springdale is unique in Northwest Arkansas, and as our downtown develops, the nearly 12 square blocks of land surrounding the Center is critical to that. We are looking at adding more amenities and activities that offer fun, learning and unique experiences.”
Trotter invited Big Night guests to “imagine opportunities for that brand new campus with different types of programs and activities adding to what we do already. With a beautiful and thoughtful master plan that connects our property into downtown and provides welcoming public spaces, we are dreaming of what can happen in those new spaces to: build well-being right here in Springdale; support our surrounding businesses; and add new amenities that draw people from all over Northwest Arkansas, and the state
and beyond to Springdale.”
For more information about the nonprofit organization’s campus vision, visit thejonescenter.net/campusvision.
Those out for a big night for The Jones Center included Evelyn and Dennis Shaw, Betsy Phillips, JoAnne Phillips, Cathy and Jim Crouch, Holly and Jim Breach, Archie Schaffer III, Mandy and Bryan Hunt, Mandy Macke, Tina and Nate Hodne, Carol and Ed Clifford, Virginia and Mauricio Herrera, Emi and Tony Cardarelli, Michelle and Jason Nichol, Kelly Kemp-McLintock and Ben McLintock, Cyndi and Dave Pierre, and Jordan Walsh and family.
Columnist Carin Schoppmeyer can be reached by email at cschoppmeyer@nwadg.com.