By Audrey Hanes, Photography by Melissa Donner

Later this month, patrons will dance, putt and volley for the 35th annual St. Bernards Advocates Triple Swing, a multi-day event that will raise money for the award-winning Heart and Vascular Programs at St. Bernards Medical Center.

The St. Bernards Foundation is a nonprofit organization designed to support and enhance St. Bernards Healthcare’s mission to provide Christ-like healing to the community through education, treatment and health services. The foundation works to provide funding, create volunteer opportunities and raise community awareness.

The St. Bernards Advocates are the community volunteer arm of that charitable organization. Lindsey Wingo began volunteering as a St. Bernards Advocate seven years ago and currently serves as board chair of the advocates.

“I believe in the mission of St. Bernards and the vital role it plays in the health and well-being of our community,” said Wingo, the director of marketing for Glen Sain Motors. “The doctors, nurses and staff all live out the mission of Christ-like healing, and I wanted to be a part of supporting that work in a meaningful way.”

Wingo helps lead and support the advocates in fundraising and outreach efforts, including the annual Triple Swing event.

“Events like Triple Swing have a direct impact and fill needs at the hospital each year,” said Wingo. “This year, the funds from Triple Swing will go toward expanding the Heart and Vascular Programs, a cause that’s touched many people I know and love.

“Our heartcare program at St. Bernards is world-class, and we are incredibly fortunate to have that level of expertise right here in Northeast Arkansas. It is important to support them and make sure they have the resources they need to continue to grow and thrive. It’s our way of giving back for the lifesaving care they’ve given our community.”

Alden Weeks, the development manager for St. Bernards Foundation, oversees the St. Bernards Advocates in the organization of Triple Swing each year.

“While we do raise funds for our health care system, support is so much more than monetary donations,” said Weeks. “We also encourage volunteerism and raising awareness in the community about all that St. Bernards offers. Triple Swing is our largest fundraiser each year and would not be possible without the time and talent of many volunteers and their willingness to share their love for St. Bernards in their networks.”

The 2025 Triple Swing Chair, Mark Morrow, became a St. Bernards Advocate in 2002 and has attended the event himself for more than 30 years. Morrow, a Vice President and Commercial Banker with Arvest, has been on the board for three years and was excited to organize the annual event for the first time.

“Since St. Bernards is a not-for-profit hospital, our goal is to help offset as many costs as we can for specialized equipment and services that the hospital needs,” he said. “That is important so that the hospital can continue to give back in their efforts of providing Christ-like healing to all in our region of the state and beyond.

“Having St. Bernards in our community is a part of the excellent make-up of our community and is a driving force of our inner economy as the city’s largest employer. My kids and granddaughter were born at St. Bernards, and my entire family has benefited from the exceptional care offered by the hospital and its supporting clinics.”

The fundraiser will kick off on June 20 with an “Ultimate ’80s” dinner dance, where everything from the food to the décor will take guests back in time 35 years to the ’80s in a tribute to the 35th annual event.

“The dinner dance will have a throwback feel from the types of food we are planning, to special drinks, decor, music and even an arcade,” said Morrow. “It promises to be a fun-filled night, with many wearing theme-appropriate clothes from leg warmers to flight suits, (and) big hair is expected. It’s all about the fun as we raise funds with our exciting auction and an opportunity to help us Fund the Mission, a special part of the auction where we encourage attendees to donate at certain monetary levels.”

Weeks says the added details from the 1980s at this year’s dinner dance are fun additions to commemorate 35 years of Triple Swing.

“It is going to be totally awesome; the Dinner Dance on Friday night will take you back in time,” said Weeks. “Get ready to dance to all your favorite ’80s music provided by Boom Kinetic, a fun and fabulous band, take a turn in the arcade, have an ’80s prom photo shoot and so much more.

“While having a great time, we will also highlight the award-winning Heart and Vascular Programs here at St. Bernards and hear from physicians and patients about the incredible work being done across the service line. Guests will leave not only having experienced a fun evening, but more importantly feeling inspired and proud of the work being done at St. Bernards and knowing they had an important part in making that work happen.”

Longtime volunteer and 10-time Triple Swing Decorations Co-Chair Brandon Stevens plays a vital role in the annual event; his creative designs and décor for each year’s Triple Swing are highly anticipated, and the Ultimate ’80s theme is no exception.

“Mark Morrow, our Triple Swing Chairman, was instrumental in determining this year's theme, Ultimate ’80s,” said Stevens, a sales associate with Gearhead Outfitters. “This year is our 35th anniversary, and the colors, music, toys and fashion of the ‘80s completely lend themselves to a big time. Even if you didn't grow up during that decade, you are totally familiar with it.”

Stevens says guests can expect neon colors, roller skates, cassette tapes and more.

“Our decorating committee always exceeds expectations, and this year will not be any different,” said Stevens. “What I enjoy most about Triple Swing is learning about all of the services that St. Bernards has to offer our communities. Of course, having a good time along the way is a bonus. If some part I play helps to raise money or bring awareness, I am thrilled to have been able to help.”

Following the Friday evening dinner dance, participants will be able to participate in a pickleball tournament on Sunday and a two-day, four-flight golf tournament on Monday and Tuesday, both of which will be held at Ridgepointe Country Club.

Sunday’s pickleball tournament is a more recent addition to the annual event, where physicians will also share healthy summer activities and proactive heart health tips.

“With the heightened awareness and excitement surrounding (pickleball), this part of our event series is growing and becoming very popular,” said Morrow. “It’s geared for everyone, from the novice player to the most skilled. It is a competitive but fun evening.”

Triple Swing will conclude with a two-day golf scramble that will begin Monday morning.

“I love every aspect of Triple Swing, but the golf tournament is my favorite two days of the year,” said Weeks. “It all tees off with a ceremonial drive from one of the Olivetan Benedictine Sisters, and the course is packed with fun competitions, celebrity putters and a golf cannon. Even if it is in the heat of June, it is amazing to see so many teams out there having a good time, competing and raising money for St. Bernards.”

Whether it’s by attending one or more aspects of Triple Swing or becoming a St. Bernards Advocate, Weeks encourages the community to get involved.

“The Foundation team is grateful for each and every dollar raised and minute of volunteerism shared by our incredible community,” she said. “We have various groups that meet quarterly and serve across our health care system in many different ways. There is a place for anyone and everyone in our volunteer groups, and we would love to have you.

“As a nonprofit health care system, the St. Bernards Foundation always welcomes financial contributions. We encourage people to give towards what they are passionate about and work with donors to ensure their dollars go to the service line(s) that they want to support. If you are interested in donating to or learning more about the St. Bernards Foundation, you can visit our website or give our office a call.”

For more information about this year’s Triple Swing event, visit stbernards.info/foundation or call (870) 207-2500.