By Mandy Macke, Executive Director and Vice Chairman, Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation, Inc.
(Pictured above with Jennifer Yurachek, co-chair of the 2021 virtual Color of Hope Gala)
The past year has been anything but ordinary, and things continue to change. But, at the end of the day, childhood illnesses, like cancer, don’t stop for COVID-19 — so we knew we couldn’t either!
Fundraising events that have traditionally been in-person have shifted … events like the annual Will Golf 4 Kids Tournament and Color of Hope Gala. This year’s golf tournament runs Aug. 5-6, and the gala will be held Aug. 7. All funds raised will stay local and support children battling cancer at Arkansas Children’s Northwest. And there’s still time to participate!
The two-day golf tournament, held at Bella Vista Country Club and Kingswood Golf Course, will run differently this year to make sure we keep everyone safe. Instead of the typical shotgun start, golfers will have staggered tee times, contactless registration and digital scoring.
Then, on Saturday, Aug. 7, you can tailgate to make a difference for kids at the 2021 virtual Color of Hope Gala chaired by Jennifer and Hunter Yurachek. What better way to kickoff tailgate season than with the Head Hog himself?!
The Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation, Inc., is proud to be a Gameday Champion Sponsor for the 2021 Color of Hope Gala.
The Walkers firmly believed everyone, especially children, should have equal access to resources, and that became a lifelong mission of Pat’s. Two of her greatest concerns for children in this region were access to education and access to health care.
I’m honored to carry on Pat’s legacy to advocate for improved child health and ensure our kids receive health care close to home. Now, more than ever, children need our support. Especially those children facing serious illnesses, like cancer.
You don’t have to attend either event to support kids fighting cancer in our community. You can bid on any of the Live and Silent auction items or simply give a one-time gift to Arkansas Children’s Northwest. Every little bit helps.
The Silent and Live Auctions are open now for pre-bidding. All you have to do is:
· Visit golfandgala.com/auctions
· Or, text ColorOfHope2021 to 76278
Once you’ve done that, you can browse through all of the items — like an exclusive trip to the NCAA Final Four or your very own tailgate party on Saturday, Aug. 7 at Coach Musselman’s. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on these extraordinary items!
Remember, all funds raised at the Will Golf 4 Kids Tournament and Color of Hope Gala stay local and support hematology and oncology services at Arkansas Children’s Northwest.
I hope you’ll consider joining me in the fight against pediatric cancer. For more information, visit golfandgala.com.