The Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the inaugural For The Love of Community Award, a new honor celebrating female-founded or female-led organizations creating meaningful, measurable impact in Bentonville, Northwest Arkansas, and the wider region.
This year’s inaugural award is presented to the founders of For The Love: Meredith Chapuis, Jennifer Cristofaro, and Melinda Williams.
2025 For The Love of Community Award Honorees: Meredith Chapuis, Jennifer Cristofaro & Melinda Williams
Founders, For The Love
For The Love is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a clear mission: feed the hungry, cultivate community, and fight poverty. With 100% of donations going directly to feeding vulnerable neighbors, the organization has become a vital grassroots force addressing food insecurity at a time when one in four Arkansas children is affected.
Each week, For The Love hosts Neighbor Night—Mondays in Springdale, Tuesdays in Rogers, and Thursdays in Bentonville—bringing together local volunteers, businesses, teams, and families to cook, serve, and share a free meal with the community. To date, they have served over 70,000 meals across Northwest Arkansas.
Their work goes beyond food. Neighbor Nights create a place for connection, encouragement, and hope. For The Love shows up consistently and compassionately—believing that while they can’t fix everything, they can love well, welcome everyone to the table, and ensure no one has to face hard times alone.
“The work Meredith, Jennifer, and Melinda are doing is nothing short of extraordinary,” said Brandom Gengelbach, President & CEO of the Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce. “Not only are they connectors in Northwest Arkansas – bringing together people, organizations, and entire communities – but they’re doing so at a time when food insecurity is more prevalent than ever in both our state and region. For The Love is filling a significant gap in a way that goes far beyond just meals. They serve with grace, dignity, and genuine love. Their work is transforming lives in Northwest Arkansas in a meaningful way, and we are so grateful for the opportunity to honor them with this award.”
About the For The Love of Community Award:
The For The Love of Community Award recognizes organizations led or founded by women who are driving positive change and strengthening the fabric of Northwest Arkansas. Honorees demonstrate exceptional commitment to community service, the creation of economic or social opportunities, and programs or initiatives that uplift and empower others.
Recipients of this award are champions of community, demonstrating vision, leadership, and the ability to bring people together in ways that inspire connection and meaningful progress. Their work reflects the collaborative, neighbor-first spirit that defines Northwest Arkansas.