The District Eight conference of Altrusa International was held in Bentonville April 21-23. Hosted by five Northwest Arkansas clubs, the conference drew over 150 attendees from four states and 24 clubs. Attendees participated in workshops, general sessions and social events to better get to know one another and learn about various club projects and events.
The highlight of the conference was the awards luncheon held on Saturday, April 23. The Bentonville/Bella Vista club walked away with awards in six of the nine categories. The club was recognized for its display at the conference, membership growth, membership sponsorship and its long-term project supporting the Single Family Scholarship Fund. The crowning victories came as the club received first place in the top two categories: the Mamie L. Bass Award for community service and the Letha H. Brown award for literacy.
The club won the Mamie L. Bass award for the ongoing support of the DEB Project, an outreach program to help every child in need of clothing and essentials. The Altrusa club supported the project with a clothing drive, participation in the first annual H2O walk/run and through sponsorship of ten children. The club expects to expand its work with the DEB project going forward.
The Tennie Russell Primary school project won the Letha H. Brown award for literacy. The club worked with the school throughout the year reading to students, supplying alphabet tubs and CD players to every classroom, presenting a book and "reading buddy" (beanie baby) to each child at Christmas and presenting each child with ten books on Dr. Suess's birthday. In total, the club provided over $24,000 in books, clothing and supplies to the school, with all but $450 derived from grants, club member non-cash donations and community outreach.
Altrusa International of Bentonville/Bella Vista is expanding its membership. The club meets the first and third Tuesday of the month at the River Grille in Bentonville. Guests are always welcome. Please contact Katy Henkel, club president, for information at 479-876-6198.
Community on 05/11/2016