Altrusa International of Bentonville/Bella Vista will host its annual Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser to support children’s literacy projects in the region. The event aims to bring the community together over a shared meal and a commitment to improving young readers’ lives.
Set to take place later this month, the dinner offers a chance for locals to enjoy classic spaghetti dishes while contributing to a cause that directly benefits kids in Benton County and beyond. Altrusa’s efforts focus on expanding access to books and reading programs—a cause that’s especially critical as schools and families navigate ongoing challenges in education.
Elsewhere in Northwest Arkansas, the Fayetteville/Springdale Elks Lodge No. 1987 held a breakfast on September 11 to honor area first responders. About 72 attendees gathered for the morning meal at the lodge, which also featured a moving tribute: local students from Prairie Grove Intermediate delivered handmade thank-you cards for police officers and firefighters in surrounding communities.
Those cards were not only presented at the event but also brought in person to Farmington and Prairie Grove Police and Fire Departments, strengthening the connection between young people and those who protect them every day. At the breakfast, Abby Hollenbeck, Joe Hayes (an Elk trustee), and Matthew Hollenbeck, a Fayetteville police officer, shared moments of appreciation while showcasing some of the cards.
Military officers in NWA will gather for their scheduled lunch meeting soon, a tradition hosting local service members to connect over shared experiences and community updates. The Sons of Union Veterans have events planned as well, continuing their mission of preserving Civil War-era history and honoring veterans’ legacies across Bentonville and surrounding towns.
These club gatherings, fundraisers, and commemorations underscore a common thread in Northwest Arkansas’ civic life: neighbors supporting neighbors with a mix of meals, memories, and meaningful projects. From Altrusa’s focus on children’s literacy to the Elks’ recognition of first responders and the Sons of Union Veterans’ heritage work, the local calendar offers chances to engage and give back.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
