Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Network lauds community
Salsa gets spicy
Arkansas Support Network lauded clients, advocates, volunteers and staff members at its annual honors luncheon June 7 at Mermaids Seafood Restaurant in Fayetteville. The group serves individuals with disabilities with offerings that include the Community Parent Resource Center, community living services and vocational foundations such as supported employment, social and work skills development and enrichment opportunities in creativity, recreation and literacy.
The group’s 2017 community awards went to:
■ Kendra Koner, Siloam Springs High School, and Marka Keddie, Greenwood Freshman Center — Reagan Excellence in Education; ■ Harps Foods and the late Cederic Marable — Community Distinction;
■ Shelby Shipley and Donna Bell — Volunteer Appreciation;
■ Amara Sow and Terri Pegue — Linda Andrews Above and Beyond;
■ Jeannie Olson and Sam Jeffus — Jeff Nolte Outstanding Parent Advocate;
■ Leviticus Cline and Brittany Rush — Ryan Sutton/Martin Lovelace Outstanding Self-Advocate;
■ Keith Glass, CPA, and Free Geek Arkansas — Employer Recognition; and
■ Chloe Pulse and Oscar Morton — Pam Biesiot Memorial Scholarships.
Arts Live Theatre patrons gathered for the second annual Laugh Out Loud Gala on June 16 at the Fayetteville Town Center. Proceeds from the evening will help support the nonprofit organization’s scholarship fund and programming.
The group, founded in 1983, offers arts education and performance opportunities for children ages 5 through 18. Arts Live offers more than 50 classes and works
with more than 400 children annually.
Among those laughing out loud with Arts Live were Kari Whisenhunt, Tammy Ebert, Roxanne and Kent Ferm, Sandra Robbins, Janell and Mark Elser, Shawna Thorup, Mark Landon Smith, Christin Hurst, Shelley Moore and Kevin Kinder.
The 15th annual Summer Salsa drew some 300 EOA Children’s House supporters June 17 to the Fayetteville Town Center. The evening included a silent auction, live music from Big ‘Uns and a salsa competition, with Fuzzy’s Taco Shop taking top honors.
Children’s House is a “therapeutic, child-development and crisis-intervention center” for children 6 weeks old through 5 years old who are victims of physical, emotional and sexual abuse, and life-threatening neglect. Children receive occupational, physical and speech therapies, counseling and family therapy.
Those championing Children’s House at Summer Salsa included Gracie and Mike Ziegler, Josh Howerton, Lance Johnson, Faye Jones, Vickie and Mike Lanier, Megan Cuddy, Lela and John Davidson, Tyler Clark, Darcy Smith, Kelsey Tapp, Kathy Crisp, Kalee Cooper, Crystal Butler, Julia Brooks, Shelle Summers and Krista Khone.
For more event photos — nwadg.com/photos/society.