Crowd greets Pioneer Woman at the McGruder home

 

story and photos by Joel Rafkin
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About 150 people filled the home of Judy and Brent McGruder on Thursday (Nov. 3) night for the first event of the two-day bi-annual Fall Into Bonneville fund-raiser for the Bonneville House.

Guests, most dressed in western cocktail attire fitting the event theme, mingled and enjoyed gourmet heavy hors d’oeuvres prepared by Hardscrabble chef Ben Ortiz, fine desserts and good spirits. Gary Hutchison performed solo on guitar througout the invitation only event for current and prospective Bonneville House members.

Paintings by Russellville artist Arden Boyce were on display as well as custom jewelry by master goldsmith Kate Hart from Red Lodge, Mont.

Event co-chair Kathy Babb said 30% of the proceeds from the art sales and 15% of the jewelry sales will be donated to the Bonneville House.

Author and cook Ree Drummond "The Pioneer Woman" socialized with guests and signed copies of her books "The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl" and "Charlie the Ranch Dog" which were for sale. Drummond, in her very down-to-earth manner, accepted a proclamation from Fort Smith Mayor Sandy Sanders who proclaimed Nov. 3 Ree Drummond Day. Drummond is also the author of a third book, "The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels — A Love Story."

Babb said 900 invitations were sent out for the $100 per person evening event. A noon luncheon will be held Friday at the Phoenix Expo Trade and Event Center. The food prepared at the lunch will be from recipes by Drummond. Drummond will speak at the event and then sign copies of her book. The luncheon will cost $40 or $60 with a copy of "The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl."

Babb said she hopes to raise $30,000 from the two-day event to fund the upkeep of the historic Bonneville House.