Pride, Politics And Philanthropy

The Kruth Talks

By Amber Kruth

Record Breaker

The University of Arkansas athletics teams and community volunteers packed a record-breaking number of meals at “Razorback Relief Operation Haiti” on June 26. More than 1.4 million meals were sealed in the 24-hour marathon. This landmark figure surpassed the 1.2 million meals sealed in Kansas City this past January.

Pride Week

Mayor Jordan declared the week of June 21 as “Pride Week” in Northwest Arkansas at the fifth annual Pride Parade on June 26. The parade grand marshal was 10-year old Will Phillips, who refused to stand at school during the Pledge of Allegiance until all people of this country were delegated equal rights. The celebration of Pride Week grew substantially this year with the support of the Northwest Arkansas Center for Equality. The mayor’s proclamation will make this a significant date in years to come.

Footrace Winners

The national Cancer Challenge footrace began at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale on June 26. Congratulations to Andrew Evans and Valerie Reina for winning the 10K and Rogers Heritage High cross-country coach Lee Wood and Holly Gureski for finishing first in the 5K.

Winning Truckers

Two Con-way Freight drivers took the trophies in the 2010 Arkansas Truck Driving Championship in Springdale last month. Congratulations to Derek Cheader for placing first in the 4-axle division and Shane Simmons for winning the Straight Truck division.

FGC Awards

The city of Fayetteville Government Channel was recently awarded three bronze Telly Awards. The Telly is a prestigious award that has big name competitors like ESPN, CBS and the Discovery Channel. The FGC winning team is made up of Fritz Gisler, Neil Bilbe, Steve Odom, Frou Gallagher and Tyrone Rogers.

Boozman and Lincoln

It’s never too soon to start learning about the candidates on ballot this November. The Arkansas Democrat Gazette had a story on June 27 detailing the stance of John Boozman and Blanche Lincoln. Here are a few highlights: Reforming Health Care — Boozman against, Lincoln for. Wall Street overhall — Boozman against, Lincoln for. Economic Stimulus Plan — Boozman against, Lincoln for. Iraq War Surge — Boozman against, Lincoln for. Keep looking deeper into the issues, because the vote often doesn’t tell the full story.

Benton County Or Bust

The Walton Family Foundation set a letter to the Walton Arts Center saying the Bentonville area would be the best location for a new arts venue. “We do not foresee being the lead donor for a new performing arts facility in a location other than Bentonville,” a letter from the foundation to the WAC stated. This decision was likely paired with the construction of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American art, which Alice Walton invested her heart and cash into, as well as the physical limitations for expansion in the downtown Fayetteville area.