November brings Jewels of Giving Gala, Running events, and Hoopla to NWA

Even with the early arctic blast and a not so shiny Razorback football season, there are plenty of reasons to be thankful for November in Northwest Arkansas, as the region plays host to the  Jewels of Giving Gala, Girls on the Run Race, Turkey Trot, and more.

WOW ‘State of the Art’ at Crystal Bridges
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art invites guests to come engage in a "provocative discussion" regarding its "State of the Art" exhibition on Nov. 19. Museum Culinary Director, Case Dighero, and special "State of the Art" guests will be on-hand to discuss the exhibit, as well as contemporary art in general with visitors.

In addition to what is expected to be a lively discussion, participants will also enjoy delicious food and drink inspired by "State of the Art." The event will be held in the Great Hall at Crystal Bridges from 6 to 7 p.m.

Cost is $24 for members and $30 for non-members. Guests must be 21 or older to attend. Register online or by calling Guest Services at 657-2335.

Jewels of Giving Gala
The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank invites the community to "help fill the plate of someone in need" by attending its fifth annual Jewels of Giving Gala on Nov. 21.
Held at the John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers, the event will feature dinner, drinks, a photo booth and a silent auction. Guest will also enjoy dancing and live music by the group Ultra Suede. Channing Barker of KNWA News will serve as the Master of Ceremonies.

The event will be held from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. A special VIP reception will also take place. All proceeds support the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, which serves more than 450,000 people annually in Benton, Washington, Madison and Carroll counties through partnerships with local human service agencies.

Individual tickets are $100 and can be purchased online. VIP tickets are available for an additional cost. For more information, call 872-8774.

Girls on the Run 5K & 10K
Girls on the Run of Northwest Arkansas, a non-profit prevention program for girls in 3rd through 8th grade, will hold its 10th annual Girls on the Run 5K and 10K running event on Nov. 22.

The race will begin in the downtown Bentonville Square. The 10K will start at 7 a.m., followed by the 5K at  8 a.m. Both races will be chip-timed, with chip pick-up from 6 to 7:30 a.m. Post-race, the group will host a celebration complete with fun family activities.

Participants will receive a number of goodies, including 10th anniversary headbands. Additional merchandise will also be available for purchase. Registration must be completed in advance. No race-day registrations will be allowed.

The group's mission is "to inspire girls to be  joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running." For more information, email Suzanne Clinard at [email protected].

St. Jude’s ‘Give Thanks. Walk’
Northwest Arkansas will join more than 65 communities nationwide in hosting the St. Jude "Give Thanks. Walk" on Nov. 22. The event helps raise funds and awareness for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, which is committed to treating children with life-threatening diseases and cancer.

The local walk will be held at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale. Individuals, families and teams are invited to participate. Participants are encouraged to recruit financial sponsors. Resources are available on the event's website to help individuals and teams fundraise in their community.

Walker check-in will be at 7:30 a.m., with the walk to follow at 9 a.m. Registration is free and can be completed online.

Turkey Trot
Folks looking to burn those Thanksgiving calories can get up early and do the Turkey Trot. Held on Thanksgiving morning (Nov. 28), the 7th annual Turkey Trot race will be held at the Pinnacle Country Club in Rogers.

Participants can choose from a 2.5 or five-mile walk, run, or race around the Pinnacle Golf Course. The family-friendly event is open to all. The race will begin at 8 a.m.
Registration is $20 for adults, which comes with a cotton t-shirt or  $25 for a performance t-shirt. Cost for children, ages 18 and under is $15 for a cotton t-shirt or $20 for a performance t-shirt.  All non-Pinnacle Members must register by Nov. 25. No race day registration will be available. Long-sleeve t-shirts and goody bags will be guaranteed to each participant who enters by Nov. 17.

All Turkey Trot proceeds benefit The Pinnacle Country Club Angel Tree, The Samaritan House and the NWA Children’s Advocacy. For more information, call Teri Hennessy at 418-7414.

Holiday Hoopla Kick-off
Rogers will celebrate the start of the Christmas season with its Holiday Hoopla Kick-off on Nov. 29.

Held in downtown Rogers, the family-friendly event will include, food, fun and lots of Christmas festivities. Santa, the man of the hour, will make his debut, but will keep his method of arrival a secret. Clues about his visit will given in the weeks prior to the event on Twitter, @Downtown_Rogers, and on the main Street Rogers Facebook page.

Guests will enjoy music and performances by Ballet Westside. Mayor Greg Hines will also hit the lights as he flips the switch on the city's 22 foot-tall Christmas tree. A number of downtown Rogers restaurants and street vendors will also be on-hand serving up delicious food to visitors.

Festivities will get underway at 5 p.m. For more information, call 936-5487.