Open Avenues SOAR NWA raised more than $200,000 during its seventh annual balloon benefit held August 14 and 15 at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Bentonville. The funds will support employment services for individuals with disabilities in Northwest Arkansas.
The two-day event brought together community members, local businesses, and sponsors to bolster Open Avenues’ mission of connecting people with disabilities to meaningful work opportunities. Ryan Lemoine, who co-hosted the sponsor reception alongside his wife Brooke, highlighted the importance of these services in helping participants achieve independence.
The benefit included tethered balloon rides, drawing crowds from across Benton County and beyond. The setting near the Bentonville Square made it an easy stop for families and neighbors eager to support the cause while enjoying the brisk late summer weather. Attendees had chances to win prizes and participate in silent auctions, with local businesses pitching in to activate community generosity.
Open Avenues operates several employment programs focused on job training, placement, and ongoing support tailored to people with disabilities. Their work fills a gap in Northwest Arkansas, where accessible employment options remain limited despite the region’s growing economy and thriving business landscape.
Bentonville’s corporate and civic sectors have increasingly recognized the value of inclusive workplaces, and events like SOAR NWA help maintain that momentum. The $200,000-plus raised will go directly toward expanding services and ensuring more individuals can build sustainable careers rather than rely on traditional day programs.
This year’s balloon benefit marks a notable step up from past fundraising efforts, reflecting a community increasingly aware of disability employment as a local priority. The funds supplement Open Avenues’ regular grant income, allowing for innovative programming and outreach throughout Benton County and adjacent communities.
Open Avenues has seen steady growth since opening, with its Bentonville office near the intersection of Walton Boulevard and Colt Square Drive serving as a hub for training and employer engagement. The nonprofit’s approach has gained attention for blending one-on-one coaching with partnerships at workplaces across retail, hospitality, and light manufacturing sectors.
The success of the SOAR NWA benefit underscores the value of face-to-face community connections—even as Northwest Arkansas experiences rapid growth and changing demographics. Supporters at the event consistently emphasized the importance of dignity and choice for people with disabilities, noting that gainful employment contributes to both.
For anyone interested in helping beyond the annual balloon event, Open Avenues welcomes volunteers for job coaching, mentoring, and administrative roles. Businesses looking to offer inclusive employment opportunities can also connect directly with the nonprofit to explore tailored partnerships.
Open Avenues SOAR NWA’s fundraising milestone comes at a time when local nonprofits are navigating increased demand and cost pressures, making this boost especially significant. For Bentonville and the broader NWA community, it’s a reminder that turning the region’s economic promise into real opportunities means investing in everyone’s potential, disabilities included.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
