Carin Schoppmeyer

The Peel Compton Foundation leaders and backers marked the start of the sesquicentennial celebration of the Peel property, commemorating its 150th anniversary, with a cocktail party Jan. 23 at the Peel Museum and Botanical Garden in Bentonville.

Michael Eric Dyson, award-winning author, academic and speaker, headlined the 29th annual Recommitment Celebration "Echoes from the Lorraine Motel: The Movement Then, The Mission Now" presented by the Northwest Arkansas Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Council on Jan. 18 at the Fayetteville Public Library.

Arts on Main leaders welcomed guests to their galleries for a reception to mark the opening of "Liminal and Minimal Spaces" on Jan. 17 in Van Buren.

Mercy Health Foundation Fort Smith friends helped support Mercy Health System Fort Smith and the creation of a Cancer Research Navigator position at the group's annual Charity Ball on Dec. 13 at the Fort Smith Convention Center. More than 1,100 guests helped make it another record-setting fundraiser by raising more than $865,000.

Brandon Burlsworth Foundation backers and Burlsworth Trophy finalists and their families gathered for a reception before the trophy ceremony held Dec. 9 at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville. Bryce Boettcher, University of Oregon senior linebacker, went home with the 2024 Brandon Burlsworth Trophy, which "recognizes the most outstanding NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision player who began his career as a walk-on."

The Arkansas Food Innovation Center at the Market Center of the Ozarks (AFIC@MCO) is set to open in March on Emma Avenue in Springdale, but the group has already been working with food entrepreneurs helping hone recipes, scale for production and create branding and marketing plans.

Friends of Mercy Health Foundation Northwest gathered Dec. 7 for the 31st annual O' Night Divine Charity Ball at the Rogers Convention Center.

The Peel Museum & Botanical Garden, festooned in festive finery, welcomed Peel Compton Foundation backers for the annual Christmas at the Peel Museum benefit Dec. 6 at the museum in Bentonville. This year's event co-chairs were Melody Richard, senior vice president, Pantry -- Walmart and Tyler Lehr, senior vice president, Chilled, Adult Beverage & Convenience -- Walmart.

The Peel Museum & Botanical Garden, festooned in festive finery, welcomed Peel Compton Foundation backers for the annual Christmas at the Peel Museum benefit Dec. 6 at the museum in Bentonville. This year's event co-chairs were Melody Richard, senior vice president, Pantry -- Walmart and Tyler Lehr, senior vice president, Chilled, Adult Beverage & Convenience -- Walmart.

Hope Cancer Resources supporters hailed Brian Holt at a reception Dec. 5 in honor of his retirement as president and CEO after nearly 32 years with the organization.