Long-awaited groundbreakings, new philanthropic flavors and more of the news worth noting in local nonprofits.
Philanthropy Flavor
Locally-owned eatery Turtle in the Way Cafe recently opened in the Park Plaza Mall where it serves local coffee, baked goods and sandwiches with 5% of profits going to the Arkansas Zoological Foundation for animal care and habitat expansion at the Little Rock Zoo.
Gifts, Grants & High Praise
On Nov. 5, Arkansas Business’ inaugural Arkansas Executive of the Year Awards will celebrate the state’s top leaders, including these nonprofit finalists from central Arkansas:
- Brian Burton, Arkansas Foodbank
- Melissa Dawson, The Centers
- Erica Kennemer, HorsePlay Hippotherapy & Therapeutic Riding
- Diane LaFollette, Mid-America Science Museum
- Michelle Mothershed, Compassionately Connected for Veterans
Dr. Marius Nagalo, a researcher at the UAMS Winthrop P Rockefeller Cancer Institute, received the New Innovator Award from the National Institutes of Health. Also at UAMS, the college of nursing received a $300,000 grant from the Windgate Foundation, while the medical center reported 2024 as “one of UAMS’ highest fundraising years” including $9.7 million through anonymous gifts.
Picking Up Speed
The Little Rock Marathon is expanding its popular Little Rockers Kids Marathon for 2025 with the addition of an inclusive, all-abilities division. The non-competitive program invites participants ages 5-25 with disabilities to rack up 25.2 miles before race day on March 1, where they’ll complete their marathon on the official course surrounded by cheering spectators.
Grounds for Hope
Women & Children First recently broke ground on its much-anticipated Forest of Hope Family Peace Center in southwest Little Rock, a facility that will offer comprehensive services for survivors of domestic violence.
“This groundbreaking symbolizes hope and a future free from violence for hundreds of families,” WCF Executive Director Angela McGraw says. “The Family Peace Center is a testament to what’s possible when a community unites to uplift and protect its most vulnerable members.”
Big Moves
The Women’s Foundation of Arkansas added Sarah Riffle to its team in the newly created role of chief growth officer.
Erica Weston has been promoted to director of education at Junior Achievement of Arkansas.
The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts added three new board members: Natalie Ghidotti, George Makris III, and Michelle Wiles.
The Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency (ARORA) hired Sharee Hilliard as director of quality systems while promoting Amelia Nabholz to director of hospital development and Jeremy Lemmons to manager of hospital development.