Ever wondered what happens when bourbon enthusiasts, charitable hearts, and a tight-knit community come together? Gentsgiving is the answer—a unique charity event that has evolved from humble beginnings into one of Northwest Arkansas's most anticipated annual gatherings.

On this episode of the B-Team Podcast, Emily Saffran joins us to pull back the curtain on this exceptional fundraiser that's changing lives through its support of pancreatic cancer research and veterans' services. As co-founder of Gentsgiving, Emily shares how the event has grown dramatically while maintaining its intimate, family-like atmosphere that sets it apart from typical charity galas.

What makes bourbon lovers mark their calendars months in advance? The carefully curated selection of rare, allocated spirits that most enthusiasts only dream of tasting. This year's lineup includes coveted pours from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection—George T. Stagg, William Larue Weller, and Thomas Handy Rye—with hints that the legendary Pappy Van Winkle might make an appearance. And for those who prefer other spirits, there's good news: the event now offers alternative options.

We dive into the exciting auction items that have become legendary in their own right, from custom-crafted bourbon cabinets to the chance to create your own signature ice cream flavor at a local shop. Emily reveals how these one-of-a-kind experiences drive fundraising while creating memorable moments for attendees.

But what truly distinguishes Gentsgiving is the personal connection to its causes. When recipients of the charities' services share their stories, there's "typically not a dry eye in the room." This emotional core, combined with exceptional food, premium spirits, and genuine camaraderie, creates an experience that sells out faster each year.

Whether you're a bourbon aficionado, a philanthropist at heart, or simply curious about community-driven events that make a difference, this conversation offers valuable insights into creating meaningful charitable experiences that people eagerly anticipate year after year.

Listen now to discover why Gentsgiving has become much more than just another charity event—it's become a beloved tradition that brings people together for extraordinary causes. Mark your calendar for November 6th and follow @Gentsgiving_NWA on social media for ticket information!

More About this Episode

Gentsgiving: The Charity Event That’s All Heart, All Bourbon, and All Bentonville

When we started the B-Team Podcast, our goal was simple: talk business, bourbon, and Bentonville with the people who make this community so special. And if there’s one event that brings all three together better than anything else, it’s Gentsgiving.

We’ve been part of this event since the beginning, and we’ve watched it grow from a small grassroots fundraiser where friends, family, and even our kids pitched in to a sold-out annual experience that’s quickly becoming a staple of Northwest Arkansas’ charity season. But for all its growth, Gentsgiving has kept its soul. It’s intimate, it’s meaningful, and it’s fun as hell. And this year, on Thursday, November 6, we’re going bigger than ever.

Why Gentsgiving Exists: Giving Back with Purpose

At the heart of Gentsgiving are two causes that matter deeply to our team and our community: veteran support and pancreatic cancer research.

If you’ve ever been in the room when the charities speak, you’ve felt the shift. One minute, you’re laughing over rare bourbons and surf & turf, and the next, it’s quiet, emotional, and powerful. Every year, the event supports two incredible organizations:

  • PenFed Foundation – Helping veterans transition to civilian life with job training, business funding, and financial assistance.
  • Pancreatic Cancer Action Network – Funding research for a cancer that too often goes undetected until it’s too late. This one hits close to home for a lot of us.

It’s easy to write a check. It’s harder and way more meaningful to create something that people feel. That’s what Gentsgiving does. It creates a moment where people show up, open their wallets, and leave wanting to do even more.

Not Just a Bourbon Tasting, It’s the Bourbon Tasting

Let’s be honest. People show up for the cause, but they also come for the bourbon. And not just any bourbon. Gentsgiving has built a reputation for delivering some of the most sought-after, hard-to-find bottles each year.

We're talking names like:

  • George T. Stagg
  • William Larue Weller
  • Thomas H. Handy
  • And maybe just maybe a little Pappy Van Winkle

And if you're not a bourbon drinker? No problem. There’s a "Spirits Ticket" option now that includes access to cocktails, wine, and other craft options because we’ve learned (from our very honest spouses) that not everyone wants to sip high-proof whiskey all night.

The Dinner? Not Just an Afterthought.

You might expect a typical charity event dinner to be… fine. Maybe a dry chicken breast, a scoop of mashed potatoes, and a cookie. But this isn’t that.

Gentsgiving delivers a full surf & turf dinner that people actually rave about. Last year’s steak and shrimp plates were chef’s kiss. Hot, fresh, and plated like we were at a five-star restaurant.

And this year? We're bringing back that same incredible catering team and adding a twist to dessert. We’re partnering with a local ice cream wizard (shoutout to The Honey Bean) to create a custom bourbon ice cream just for the event. Trust us, it’s going to be unreal.

Oh, and of course, we’re ending the night with our now-traditional bourbon cream root beer float. You're welcome.

A True Bentonville Vibe: Intimate, Rustic, and Real

One of the best things about Gentsgiving is the vibe. It’s held in a rustic barn in Little Flock, with 150 of the most generous, fun, community-minded people you’ll ever meet. Think of it like a giant Thanksgiving dinner, tables full of friends, bourbon in hand, music playing, and conversations happening everywhere.

And while the attendance has doubled each year, we’re careful to keep it personal and close-knit. That’s the magic. People leave feeling like they were part of something special, not just attendees, but contributors.

VIP Pre-Party, After-Party & One-of-a-Kind Auction

Last year, we introduced a VIP hour before the main event, and it was a hit with custom cocktails, early access, and a quieter space to connect. This year, we’re expanding that with a VIP after-party, too. More curated drinks. And, knowing this group, some unforgettable moments.

How It All Gets Done 

We’re not a 20-person planning committee. We’re a group of friends and spouses, with kids helping stuff swag bags, and a few tight-knit volunteers who give their nights and weekends to pull it off. We don’t have a flashy website, just a Facebook page, an Instagram, and a QR code on some flyers.

And somehow, it works.

The people who show up each year? They believe in the cause. They bring their friends. They buy auction items. And many of them come back afterward saying, “How can I do more next year?”

That’s how you know it’s working.

Gentsgiving 2025: The Details

  • Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025
  • Location: 4116 High Plains Drive, Little Flock
  • Time:
    • VIP Hour: 5:30 PM
    • General Admission: 6:30 PM
  • Charities:
    • PenFed Foundation
    • Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

How to Get Tickets or Support

We like to keep things simple and maximize the money going to the charities. Here’s how to support or attend:

  • Follow on Instagram: @Gentsfiving_NWA
  • Like on Facebook: Gentsgiving NWA
  • Follow on LinkedIn: Gentsgiving NWA
  • Look for the ticket link & QR code on socials
  • Email or message us directly if you want to donate items or get involved

We always say this: you won’t find a better charity night in town that delivers this much heart, flavor, and fun in one place. It’s our way of giving back to causes we care about, in a way that feels authentic to who we are.

So whether you’re coming for the bourbon, the food, the auction, or the community, we’ll see you there.