On Saturday, March 8, 2025, the Northwest Arkansas community will gather for an unforgettable evening at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, AR, for the “Dancing with Our Stars” Gala. This inspiring event, a regional spin-off of Little Rock’s beloved dance competition launched in 2006, brings together community leaders, professional dancers, and NF Heroes in a dazzling ballroom showcase. NF Heroes are those who have demonstrated remarkable courage and a positive spirit living with NF.
The Northwest Arkansas Stars vying for a chance to take home the coveted mirror ball trophy are:
Tiffany Benitez – Founder & President, National Women+ in Tech
Lauren Blass – Associate Broker, Sage Partners
Dustin Doty – Attorney, Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP
Jessica DuQuesne – International Strategy & Marketing Brand Manager, Hershey
Kimberly McGee – Senior Manager, Walmart Foundation
Kati Moore – Tech Guru, Google
Luke O’Gary – Owner, The O’Gary Family of Companies
“In December 2019, my 15 month old daughter was diagnosed with Leukemia. She presented with a tumor behind her eye and bumped up against her brain. She fought a hard fight and at the end of her chemo journey, she relapsed and was given 6 weeks to 6 months to live,” said Tiffany Benitez. “Thankfully, she beat the odds and is still here making change and impact for others. In my journey, walking through this with her, my commitment was to give back in any way that I could to help others. Being a chosen candidate for Dancing with Our Stars NWA, to benefit the Children’s Tumor Foundation, is for my daughter and all of the kids that battle childhood illness. They need us to stand up and help raise money for research, awareness, and services and I will continue to stand and fight for each and every one of them.”
This year we are proud to welcome to the stage our Honorary Chair, Greg Cathey, SVP of Transformation and Support at Walmart.
“It has been my honor to serve as the Honorary Chair for the Northwest Arkansas Dancing with Our Stars Gala,” said Greg Cathey. “As a long-time resident of Northwest Arkansas and as a father to four children, I am proud to help raise money to support NF research, the local NF clinic and the NF community in Arkansas. I’m proud to play a role in the lives of families impacted by NF through my involvement with the Children’s Tumor Foundation.”
Larra Donaldson of Sam’s Furniture and Jon Williams of Radio Jon/Deek will once again emcee the evening. They will also be joined by new addition Misty Clifton of Premier Dermatology. The returning Dancing with Our Stars Northwest Arkansas gala co-chairs are Courtney Backus Norton, Mimi Stewart, and Malorie Marrs.
For the fourth year, the NWA dance competition fundraiser features a cocktail reception, seated dinner, silent auction, and dancing. Last year, over $125,000 was raised, contributing to the more than $4 million dollars raised and invested in the Arkansas community over the last 28 years. Money raised at this year’s event will continue to support the Adult NF Clinic at UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute.
NF is a rare genetic condition that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body. It comprises neurofibromatosis and schwannomatosis, and may lead to blindness, deafness, bone abnormalities, disfigurement, learning disabilities, disabling pain, and cancer. It affects millions of people worldwide and may arise in any family regardless of gender, race, or ethnic origin. While there is no cure yet, the Children’s Tumor Foundation is leading the charge in NF drug discovery and development, accelerating innovative therapies from the lab to the clinic. Every dollar raised at this creative fundraiser brings us closer to breakthroughs that change lives.
For more information or to purchase your ticket or sponsorship, please visit ctf.org/dwosnwa.
For more information about the Children’s Tumor Foundation, please visit: ctf.org.
