Delaney Reaves, Managing Editor

NWACC Foundation held a recent event, Plant-A-Seed, in the north lawn of the Student Center on April 21 to raise money for students scholarships. The soiree event included live entertainment, dinner, dancing and a mobile silent auction that included over 40 items. 

A massive tent set up on the Bentonville campus was the main venue that included tables, a bar, stage and a dance floor for the guests’ entertainment. The auction items were held inside on display and the bids were made online. 

The event was presented by Walmart; live entertainment was provided by Two Story Radio and sponsored by Kellogg’s. Covergirl sponsored the silent auction. Milestone Construction covered the bar service and the photo booth was sponsored by Mitchell Williams. Food for the evening was provided by Catering Unlimited located in Springdale. 

Executive Director of Advancement Liz Anderson, who directed the Plant-A-Seed event, said that this was the 20th year the event was held for NWACC students. The soiree event raised over $30,000 for critical general student scholarship funds and more than 200 people attended. 

Dennis Rittle, president of NWACC, said that he believes the event was successful for the students, staff and the guests that attended. He said Plant-A-Seed is an event that is hoped to happen annually for NWACC.

“My favorite part of the event is our students sharing their testimonials of what investing in student success means to them, followed by the audience wildly celebrating the success of our students,” Rittle said.  

The Student Government Association was invited to the event to represent the presence of the study body. Drake Schwartz, the president of SGA said that their presence at Plant-A-Seed would help the donors at the event see the students they are investing in. 

“These moments celebrate this dynamic and collaborative experience which we call, ‘learning.’”

Dennis Rittle, NWACC president

Sharon Fox, NWACC interim dean, Communication and Arts, said that the night was memorable and she is looking forward to next year’s event. “We were inspired by multiple students’ stories of their successes and being reminded of the life-changing work being done here,” Fox said.