Heroes and Hamburgers benefits local nonprofits

n Festival gives guests the opportunity to donate to Animal Shelter, Village House and the Courtesy Van.

Photo submitted Ride in this and other vintage convertibles by donating $5 to one of three local nonprofits featured at Heroes and Hamburgers celebration on Sep 30. Pictured in the 58 Cadillac are Simple Pleasures Events Director Tara Hammerstrom (behind the wheel), BV Courtesy Van President Bill Puskas (in the back seat); Village House Director Sara Scott (top left) and BV Animal Shelter Executive Director Deidre Knight-Matney, with shelter dog Siggy..
Photo submitted Ride in this and other vintage convertibles by donating $5 to one of three local nonprofits featured at Heroes and Hamburgers celebration on Sep 30. Pictured in the 58 Cadillac are Simple Pleasures Events Director Tara Hammerstrom (behind the wheel), BV Courtesy Van President Bill Puskas (in the back seat); Village House Director Sara Scott (top left) and BV Animal Shelter Executive Director Deidre Knight-Matney, with shelter dog Siggy..

The community will have a chance to make contributions to three local nonprofit organizations on Sept. 30 by attending the Heroes and Hamburgers festival at Simple Pleasures Event Center in the Highlands.

Representatives from the Bella Vista Animal Shelter, Village House Adult Day Program and the Bella Vista Courtesy Van will be on hand to discuss their organizations and answer questions at the community giving table, where guests will have the opportunity to make monetary donations to one, two or all three.

"This event really is set up to make the community stronger in a variety of ways," said Ken Miner, founder of Simple Pleasures. "In one way or another, everyone in the community is the actual event beneficiary. The nonprofits, of course, will receive a boost in funds. The community will benefit from coming together for a day of fun. And the city will become safer overall when its citizens get to know and build relationships with the first responders."

Each selected nonprofit serves the Bella Vista community in a unique way.

In operation since 1985, the Bella Vista Animal Shelter provides food, shelter and medical care for animals in need until they're adopted into loving homes.

Village House Adult Day Program provides social, recreational, educational and caregiving activities for individuals who may no longer feel comfortable staying home by themselves, including those with Alzheimer's disease, dementia and special needs.

The Bella Vista Courtesy Van is an all-volunteer organization that transports Bella Vista residents who can no longer drive, because of age or health, free of charge.

"Each of these organizations rely on the generosity of the community to stay in business," Miner said. "It's easy for us as a community to take nonprofits like these for granted, so hopefully Heroes and Hamburgers will bring them much-needed awareness and support."

Presented by Mach 1 Financial Group, Heroes and Hamburgers is designed to help area families get to know the local police, fire and EMS workers through engaging in festival activities alongside their local heroes. The event will run from 4 to 8 p.m. The event features a kids music showcase, games, a thank-a-hero card station, a performance of patriotic big band music from the JM Band, an evening fireworks display and more.

Also featured will be rides in classic cars for guests to enjoy. After making a $5 donation to one of the three nonprofits, guests will receive a ticket to ride in one of Heroes and Hamburgers' vintage convertibles on loan from chief sponsor Doug Givens of Givens Classic Cars in Catoosa, Okla.

"The classic car rides are something unique we can offer as a way of thanking guests for donating," said Tara Hammerstrom, Simple Pleasures director. "These classic convertibles are something everyone can enjoy whether they are young or old, so hopefully they'll help encourage people to give back to the organizations that serve Bella Vista every day."

As a fundraising outlet, Heroes and Hamburgers already proved itself effective by raising $25,000 in 2016 -- its inaugural year. This year, Miner hopes selected nonprofits will experience the same success.

"They are three organizations worthy of supporting," said Hammerstrom. "They do a tremendous amount of good in our community, and we're thrilled that we have the opportunity to do something to give back to them for a change."

Held at the Simple Pleasures property at 13718 Rothbury Drive, Heroes and Hamburgers is free to attend. Guests are encouraged to bring cash for the purchase of Simple Pleasures' signature wood-fired cheeseburgers, hot dogs and premium ice cream and to also bring a lawn chair and a smile.

For more information regarding location, parking and other frequently asked questions, visit www.heroesandhamburgers.com.

General News on 09/20/2017