In this lively and heartfelt episode of the B-Team Podcast, hosts Josh Saffran, Matt Marrs, and permanent guest Rob Nelson shake things up with a celebration of generosity, community, and, of course, bourbon. This week, they are joined by special guests Lisa Brewer and Gina Koch, who earned their spot on the show through a charity auction at the Gentsgiving event. Normally centered around bourbon and business in Bentonville, today's episode focuses on the incredible success of their recent fundraiser, which raised an astounding $100,000 for the Cancer Society and veterans' organizations.

Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at the Gentsgiving event, a traditionally male-focused bourbon night that evolved this year to welcome more women - leading to a richer, more inclusive experience. Lisa and Gina share how their feedback from previous years shaped the event, including the addition of wine selections and plans for future auction items aimed at female attendees. The conversation highlights how small changes can create a big impact in community fundraising and charity engagement.

Of course, no B-Team episode would be complete without some lighthearted ribbing and fun discussions. The crew dives into hilarious stories about vacations, bourbon room designs, pink wine rooms, and extravagant ideas for next year’s charity auction - including luxury trips, spa packages, and high-end fashion accessories. The episode perfectly captures the spirit of the B-Team: blending bourbon-fueled camaraderie with meaningful charitable work.

In between the laughter and storytelling, there’s a genuine celebration of friendship, community building, and giving back. Listeners will hear about heartwarming personal stories, like Lisa’s and Gina’s adopted friendships in Mexico, and the fun chaos that ensues when passionate people rally behind a great cause. Whether you're a bourbon enthusiast, a charity supporter, or someone who loves good conversation, this episode is packed with entertaining and inspiring moments.

Join us for a heartwarming and hilarious ride through Bentonville’s best charity night, bourbon rooms, pink wine rooms, and more.

More About this Episode

Raising the Bar at Gentsgiving: How Charity, Community, and Conversation Came Together on the B-Team Podcast

On this episode of the B-Team Podcast, we took a meaningful detour from our usual lineup of Bentonville businesses and bourbon talk to focus on something even more impactful: community-driven philanthropy. Joining us were Lisa Brewer and Gina Koch, two incredible women who didn’t just support our annual Gentsgiving charity event - they won their way onto the show through it.

This wasn’t your typical guest appearance. Lisa and Gina were part of a silent auction package at Gentsgiving, and bidding on a guest spot helped us raise a record-breaking $100,000 in one night - money that was split between two important causes: the Cancer Society and veteran support organizations.

Their presence on the podcast wasn’t just a prize. It was a celebration of generosity, friendship, and how community members can come together to do something powerful.

Gentsgiving: From Bourbon to a Bigger Purpose

Originally conceived as a bourbon-themed night for the guys, Gentsgiving has quickly evolved into one of Northwest Arkansas’ most memorable fundraising events. What started as a passion project has grown into a cornerstone community gathering - and this year’s success was a testament to that growth.

A big part of that evolution? The increased involvement of spouses and women, many attending for the first time and helping elevate the experience. Lisa and Gina’s participation - and winning bid - symbolized the shift from a men-only bourbon night to a more dynamic, inclusive, and impactful event.

As we shared laughs over glasses of rosé (a small but meaningful nod to the night’s new direction), we reflected on how Lisa had previously given feedback that the event lacked options beyond bourbon. This year, we took that to heart. Wine was on the menu, the vibe was more inclusive, and the results spoke for themselves - a more diverse crowd and a higher fundraising total than ever before.

Building a Better Auction: What Women Want

One of the best parts of this episode was hearing Lisa and Gina offer real-time feedback for how we can improve next year’s Gentsgiving. Spoiler alert: more spa days, luxury purses, shoes, and wine-themed packages are on the wishlist.

We laughed at ideas like the “mystery purple bag” or “Chinatown handbags,” but the message was clear - if we’re serious about increasing female participation, the auction has to reflect their interests. Ideas like high-end accessories, David Yurman jewelry, wine baskets, and closet organization packages weren’t just casual suggestions - they were strategic fundraising ideas that could bring in even more dollars for our causes.

Their insight was invaluable, and we’re already planning how to integrate it into next year’s event.

Beyond the Bids: How Giving Sparks Deeper Connections

Gentsgiving isn’t just about dollars raised - it’s about the sense of camaraderie and purpose that comes from a room full of people rallying around a cause. Lisa and Gina both attend the event annually with their husbands, and they spoke about how it's become more than just a night out - it's something they look forward to all year.

By joining the podcast, they weren’t just adding a fun experience to their auction win - they were showing other potential attendees that giving back can come with incredible memories and connections.

We even revisited the year-two auction win, when Lisa and her family secured a vacation trip to Bimini. That trip - and the fun stories that came out of it - were just another example of how Gentsgiving is about more than fundraising. It’s about shared experiences that strengthen the ties in our community.

Charity with Personality: The B-Team Twist

Of course, we wouldn’t be the B-Team Podcast without mixing in a bit of sarcasm, spontaneous storytelling, and an open mic for everyone to be themselves. While Lisa and Gina had a list of serious topics (courtesy of Lisa’s husband, Michael Brewer), we didn’t exactly stick to it. Instead, we let the conversation unfold naturally - highlighting what makes this podcast and this community so special.

They showed up dressed to impress, bringing personality, charm, and a generous spirit that mirrored their contributions to Gentsgiving. From reflections on event planning to lighthearted banter about fashion and closet space, they made it clear why their presence - both at the event and on the podcast - was a win for everyone.

A Toast to What Comes Next

What made this episode unique wasn’t just the rosé in our glasses or the fact that we weren’t talking shop. It was that Lisa Brewer and Gina Koch reminded us why we do Gentsgiving in the first place - to bring people together, raise real money for important causes, and have fun while doing it.

Their stories, their feedback, and their presence on the show brought new energy to our mission. As we look ahead to the next Gentsgiving, we’re not just thinking about bourbon tastings and business auctions. We’re thinking about pink wine rooms, curated gift bags, and how to make this event more inclusive, more impactful, and more Bentonville.

To everyone who helped make Gentsgiving 2024 a success - thank you. And to Lisa and Gina - your generosity, humor, and insights will help make Gentsgiving 2025 even better.

Cheers to raising the bar, one bid at a time.