Retro Casino Night Ignites Hope and Healing
The Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter (NWAWS) is proud to announce its signature fundraising event, Fresh Start, presented by Mars Wrigley, taking place Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the 21c Museum Hotel in Bentonville. This inspiring evening unites supporters, advocates, and community leaders to raise crucial funds that provide safety, shelter, and hope for survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and trafficking across Northwest Arkansas.
THE DEETS
📍 Where: 21c Museum Hotel, Bentonville
📅 When: Saturday, September 13, 2025 | 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
💲 Cost: Tickets available at nwaws.org/events
This year’s event is co-chaired by three powerhouse community leaders:
- Antoinette Nash, Vice President of Merchandising for School & Office Supplies at Walmart
- Angela Mayo, Merchandising Director of Basic Candy at Walmart
- Mallory Files, Founder & Owner of Ozark Charcuterie & Wine Bar
Their leadership, passion, and dedication are elevating Fresh Start during one of the most challenging times in the shelter’s history.
Due to historic cuts to federal and state victim service funding, including reductions to the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) and the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), shelters across Arkansas are facing unprecedented financial shortfalls. NWAWS is preparing for a projected deficit of nearly half a million dollars—a staggering loss that could jeopardize vital services like safe shelter, advocacy, crisis intervention, and prevention programming.
Meanwhile, the need continues to grow. In 2024 alone, NWAWS provided 4,791 nights of emergency shelter to 229 survivors and children, answered 1,044 crisis calls, and delivered therapy, legal advocacy, prevention education, and outreach across Benton, Washington, Carroll, and Madison counties.
“Fresh Start is more than just a fundraiser, it’s a lifeline,” said Amanda Apple, Development Director at NWAWS. “We’re so grateful to have Angela, Antoinette, and Mallory at the helm of this year’s event. Their leadership and heart for our mission remind us that when community comes together, we can overcome even the most difficult challenges.”
Dubbed “the most fun fundraiser in Northwest Arkansas,” the event will feature a lively retro casino night theme with classic games like blackjack, craps, and roulette, plus a silent auction, wine and beer, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, music, and more. Tickets are available now at nwaws.org/events.
Every dollar raised directly supports NWAWS’s mission to provide safety, support, and hope to all survivors. With government funding shrinking, community generosity is more critical than ever to ensure our doors remain open. At Fresh Start, we look forward to sharing inspiring stories of impact and joining with our community to make a lasting difference.
“We’re not giving up,” added Apple. “We’re leaning in and we’re asking our community to do the same. Fresh Start is your opportunity to make a direct, meaningful impact on the lives of survivors right here in Northwest Arkansas.”
