Arvest Bank associates contributed more than 320 pairs of shoes to Ozark Guidance for its annual Walk a Mile in My Shoes event on April 5-6. Steven R. Hinds, vice president of philanthropy and development for Ozark Guidance, is shown with Gaye Wilcox, executive vice president/sales manager, and Karen Gray, vice president/marketing manager for Arvest Bank.

Arvest Locations Collect Shoes, Accessories

For Walk a Mile in My Shoes Fundraiser

Drive Nets More Than 320 Pairs of Shoes

SPRINGDALE, Arkansas (March 13, 2019) — Arvest associates hosted a successful shoe drive at locations in Washington County with more than 320 pairs of shoes collected for the ninth annual Walk a Mile in My Shoes event benefiting Ozark Guidance. The shoes, plus handbags and jewelry, were given to Ozark Guidance for sale in the April 5 and 6 fundraising event.

Dr. Laura H. Tyler, president and chief executive officer of Ozark Guidance, commended the bank’s commitment to helping support the nonprofit organization. “We’re overwhelmed by this tangible support for Ozark Guidance and the clients we serve,” Tyler said. “We want to express our thanks to all of the Arvest associates and Arvest customers who made this drive such a success. The generosity of our community partner and its customers will help us continue to fulfill our mission of saving and changing lives through compassionate, quality behavioral health services.”

Steven R. Hinds, vice president of philanthropy and development for Ozark Guidance, said the idea behind the Walk a Mile in My Shoes event goes beyond raising money. “We want to encourage our community to join us in breaking down stigma associated with mental health – to really take a look and ‘walk’ in someone else’s shoes,” Hinds said. “We also hope that through events like Walk a Mile, others may better understand the needs of those who battle disorders that interfere with the way they think, feel and act.”

The ninth annual Walk a Mile in My Shoes event includes a VIP Presale Party on April 5. Tickets are $50 and may be purchased by calling 479-725-5294. The sale begins at 8 a.m. April 6 and is open to the public. Both events are at the Holiday Inn, 1500 S. 48^th St. in Springdale. More information is available at www.ozarkguidance.org/WaM

Ozark Guidance is the local, nonprofit behavioral health care center serving eight counties in northwest and north-central Arkansas with offices in Bentonville, Berryville, Fayetteville, Harrison, Huntsville, Mountain Home, Siloam Springs, and Springdale.  For more information, visit www.ozarkguidance.org.