Gala in Springdale to feature Col. Oliver North

The president of Springdale-based retailer Sam’s Furniture, Joe Donaldson, is a 10-year Army combat veteran.

“Joe has lost more of his fellow soldiers since being home than he did while fighting in Iraq,” his wife Larra said.

To support veterans in their daily lives, Sam’s is hosting a gala event on Saturday (Nov. 10), and 100% of proceeds from ticket sales, sponsorships and donations will go directly to three veteran-support organizations: Reboot Combat Recovery, Military Warriors Support Foundation and Sheepdog Impact Assistance.

The Honoring of Heroes Veterans Gala will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Northwest Arkansas Convention Center in Springdale. Retired Marine Lt. Col. Oliver North, now president of the National Rifle Association, is the keynote speaker. Several other special guests will be present, including Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Congressman Steve Womack, R-Rogers, former POW Jessica Lynch and endurance runner and motivational speaker George Chmiel.

Individual tickets, tables, and sponsorships are available at larra@sams
furniture.net or honoringofheroes.com.

“Every day I wake up and kiss my wife and daughter, walk into my business, or simply take the family out for a fun day on the lake, I can’t help but hope that every other veteran is getting to enjoy the life that he or she served for, as well,” Donaldson said. “Sadly, the reality is that a lot of them are not.”