THE SOCIAL FRONT
Light of Hope
​On Nov. 7, 2024, Court Appointed Special Advocates of Northwest Arkansas hosted its Light of Hope Breakfast at the Rogers Convention Center, which featured keynote speaker Latriece Watkins, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer for Walmart. Then, on Nov. 19, 2024, the organization hosted its Light of Hope Luncheon at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Springdale. The luncheon featured keynote speaker Melanie Boulden, executive vice president and chief growth officer for Tyson Foods, as well as a video story about a long-time volunteer Glen Hoffman. Both events were presented by General Mills. Across the two venues, more than 1,200 individuals attended to learn about and promote the mission of CASA, which is to provide compassionate volunteers who advocate for children who have experienced abuse and neglect. At these events, CASA of Northwest Arkansas raised more than $507,479 so far through the support of sponsors and generous guests. www.nwacasa.org
Jingle Mingle
On Dec. 5, 2024, the 40th annual Jingle Mingle was held at Heroncrest in Elm Springs, benefiting the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas. Approximately 420 guests, including recipients, alumni and supporters, attended the festive event to ring in the holiday season in celebration of the success in 2024. Current recipient Courtney Tolson shared about her educational journey of becoming a nurse after the loss of her husband of 22 years to cancer. More than $59,928 was raised to support scholarships for single parents creating better, brighter futures for their families through higher education. www.spsfnwa.org
Christmas at Peel Museum
The Peel Compton Foundation held its annual Christmas at Peel Museum Gala, presented by Nestlé and The Walmart Museum, on Dec. 6, 2024, at The Peel Museum & Botanical Garden in Bentonville. The event welcomed approximately 200 guests for a festive evening, which included a signature cocktail hour and sit-down dinner curated by Chef Matthew Cooper of CONIFER with wine pairings from Trinchero Family Estates as well as a silent auction. The event co-chairs were Melody Richard and Tyler Lehr of Walmart. Nearly $200,000 was raised for year-round programing across the foundation’s four properties in Bentonville, including Peel Museum & Botanical Garden, Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, Osage Park and Compton Gardens & Arboretum. Plans for the next Christmas at Peel Museum are already underway. The event is set for Dec. 5, when the foundation will celebrate the 150th Anniversary Year of the historic Peel Property. www.peelcompton.org
150th Anniversary Cocktail Party
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The Peel Compton Foundation kicked off its year-long 150th anniversary celebration of the Peel Home with a cocktail party Jan. 23 at its location in Bentonville. Guests included Peel Family decedents, current and past Peel Compton Foundation Board Members, and the founding families that helped Helen Walton restore the home and open the museum. The 150th anniversary is a milestone celebration of Bentonville’s rich history and heritage. As one of the region’s most treasured landmarks, the Peel Museum has stood as a symbol of preservation, education and community connection since it opened in 1994. This anniversary year not only honors the legacy of the Peel family but also highlights the home’s evolution into a place where history comes alive through engaging programs and events. By celebrating this milestone, the foundation reaffirms its commitment to preserving the past while inspiring the future. www.peelcompton.org
Wall of Distinction
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On Jan. 31, the Rogers Public Education Foundation hosted its 13th annual Wall of Distinction event at Rogers High School. With a new format, the ceremony was held between the girls’ and boys’ Heritage High School vs Rogers High School basketball games. This year’s event honored Nancy Swearingen, Dick Trammel and Legacy Award recipient Dr. Marlin Berry. Approximately 200 guests attended a reception held prior to the ceremony. Jaclyn House served as the emcee for the event. Following the Wall of Distinction ceremony, the Rogers Public Schools renamed Mountie Arena in honor of Dr. Marlin Berry. The goal of the Wall of Distinction is to recognize and showcase the accomplishments of Rogers alumni, faculty and community members. Proceeds from the event will support the foundation’s mission of enhancing educational opportunities through grants to teachers in the Rogers School District. www.rogerspef.org
