We are pleased to announce the charity chosen for 2026 by our reigning King & Queen, Greg and Becky Reed, Northest Arkansas Food Bank! Each year we raise money through sponsorships, and donate them to one local charity, chosen by our royalty. We are thrilled to support NWA Food Bank this year. Here’s a little info about them:
What We Believe
We believe in the power of community. We collaborate and build strong relationships, based on trust, with and among those who share our vision. We work together to accomplish the mission in our regions, valuing each other’s roles and using an open process and honest communication. We seek out and are responsive to the input and counsel of our staff and member agencies.
NO ONE SHOULD GO HUNGRY
In Northwest Arkansas there are more than 95,000 men, women, senior citizens, and children that face hunger every day. The number of hungry people has increased in the past years, but the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank continues to fight for everyone to have access to nutritious food to eat.
OUR HISTORY
The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank was founded in 1988 as a 501(c)(3) non profit organization to serve four Northwest Arkansas counties by providing an affordable and credible food source to our partner agencies serving the hungry.
OUR MISSION & VISION
OUR MISSION is to nourish Northwest Arkansas communities by feeding hungry people.
OUR VISION is to be the leader in hunger relief by building partnerships with other hunger relief organizations.
Your dollars will go a long way in supporting the mission of the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, and the residents in our communities that benefit from their generosity and programs.
To learn more about Canopy NWA or support their programs, visit the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank’s website.
For the first time in our history, we are now supporting TWO charities. Last year’s chosen charity, Canopy NWA, is the second charity we are honoring this year. We are thrilled to continue our support for Canopy NWA this year. Here’s a little info about them:
In Northwest Arkansas, Canopy NWA stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment for refugee families. Since its founding, Canopy has resettled over 900 individuals, helping them transition to life in the United States and equipping them with the tools to thrive. From securing safe housing and employment to offering mental health workshops, youth programs, and entrepreneurship opportunities, Canopy’s comprehensive services ensure that refugees feel supported every step of the way.
One of Canopy’s most innovative initiatives is the Long Welcome program, which extends wrap-around support for up to five years after a refugee family’s arrival. This holistic approach helps families move through four key phases—basic needs, stability, readiness, and thriving. By addressing immediate needs while fostering long-term independence and cultural integration, the Long Welcome ensures that refugee families not only survive but thrive as full, contributing members of their community.
Through the Path to Thriving, refugees achieve milestones like financial independence, access to education and healthcare, and deep social connections. These steps are vital to transforming new arrivals into confident, active participants in Northwest Arkansas’ vibrant community.
Another highlight of Canopy’s work is the Cottage Industry/Inspired Hands initiative, empowering women artisans from Afghanistan and Syria to share their handmade goods with the local market. This program offers a bridge between cultures while promoting financial independence and self-confidence.
Your partnership helps ensure that every refugee has the chance to build a new life filled with opportunity and belonging.
To learn more about Canopy NWA or support their programs, visit Canopy NWA’s website.
