The 27th annual Will Golf 4 Kids Tournament held Aug. 5-6 and the 13th annual Color of Hope Gala held on Aug. 7 raised more than $1.36 million for Arkansas Children’s Northwest.
The funds will be used to expand hematology and oncology services at the hospital in Springdale.
In 2019, committees for the events pledged to raise $5 million over the next five years for that purpose; this year’s events brings the total raised to $3.31 million.
“While safety protocols required major changes for this year's golf and gala, nearly 800 supporters golfed or joined us virtually for the tailgating event," said Fred Scarborough, president of Arkansas Children's Foundation, in a news release. "The commitment to the children of Arkansas from this community of donors, sponsors and volunteers, especially during the most trying of times, is inspiring to our entire team. The success of this event is truly a team effort. We are incredibly thankful to each of you for supporting pediatric cancer services at Arkansas Children's Northwest.”
Mike Sewell with Market Performance Group, Kyden Reeh with The Emerson Group and Tony Murphy with Acosta served as chairs of the tournament. More than 470 rounds of golf were played at the Bella Vista Country Club and Kingswood Golf Course with socially distant registration, staggered tee times and digital scoring.
Jennifer and Hunter Yurachek served as chairs for the gala, which encouraged guests to host virtual tailgate parties at their homes. The program included special appearances by University of Arkansas coaches Eric Musselman and Mike Neighbors; KNWA sports anchor Tara Talmadge; former NFL Network and ESPN correspondent Danyelle Musselman; and Charles Redfield, Arkansas Children’s Northwest board member and Walmart U.S. executive vice president of food. Justin Moore was the headlining entertainment.
Siblings Abigail and Kendryck served as the Champion Children for the events. Kendryck is still battling leukemia, and Abigail has finished treatment but is closely monitored as her cancer has a high likelihood of relapse. Both kids receive cancer care at Arkansas Children’s Northwest.
