A Night with purpose: Northwest Arkansas rallies for heart health at Paint the Town Red: Game On!
June 20 event blends entertainment, survivor stories and community action to combat the No. 1 and No. 5 killers
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., June 9, 2026 — The American Heart Association, a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, will bring together Northwest Arkansas community leaders, businesses and supporters for Paint the Town Red: Game On! on June 20, 2026, at Ozark Music Hall. The high-energy, sports-themed evening aims to raise up to $340,000 to support research, education and community programs fighting heart disease and stroke.
Chaired by Mark Larson and Stephen Bell of Walmart and Lisa Bores of Sazerac, the “party with a purpose” is expected to welcome 900 to 1,000 attendees for an evening of entertainment, competition and mission impact.
“It’s a fun night that actually makes a difference,” said Bell, group director of assortment and price strategy for Walmart Business. “We’re bringing people together to raise awareness, raise funds and ultimately help save lives. Supporting the American Heart Association’s work around prevention, education and research is more important than ever.”
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with guests enjoying music from Chris Barnes, interactive experiences and a Taste of the Town restaurant competition sponsored by Reynolds and McCormick. The event will also feature a player lounge and anticipated appearances by Razorback athletes, along with exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities.
At the heart of the evening is the mission. This year’s event will spotlight a survivor gallery, highlighting stories like Heather Schluterman, a stroke survivor, to underscore the urgency of improving heart and brain health across the region.
“Heart disease and stroke touch nearly every family in some way,” Bell said. “This work is happening right here in our community, and it’s making a real difference.”
Paint the Town Red is presented by Sazerac with additional support from Mars Extra and KISS. Media support is by KNWA, Citiscapes and Celebrate Arkansas magazine.
The event brings together restaurants, businesses, donors and volunteers in a shared effort to improve health outcomes and save lives. Organizers say the event reflects the region’s commitment to making a meaningful impact.
“It shows Northwest Arkansas truly shows up,” Bell said. “Everyone can play a role whether you’re a business, a volunteer, a donor or an attendee. It takes all of us coming together to make a difference.”
Guests will also be encouraged to take simple steps to improve their own health.
“If there’s one takeaway, it’s that small steps matter,” Bell said. “Knowing your numbers, staying active and paying attention to your health can truly save lives.”
For more information, to purchase tickets or to support the event, visit heart.org/nwapttr or contact Kaley Baxendale at Kaley.Baxendale@heart.org
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than 100 years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook or X by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries
Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
