Committing to an active lifestyle starts with a Spark!
Our mission is to increase access to health and fitness education opportunities for our community!
Our Mission
The Spark Foundation’s mission is to create a positive impact in the community by providing increased access to health and fitness opportunities and education through:
I. Racing Events - We produce three annual races that appeal to a broad range of runners, volunteers, and community partners. We strive to serve runners of all ages and paces.
II. Outreach Programming - Through strategic partnerships with schools and partner organizations, we create and support programming that increases access to health and fitness education and encourage outdoor recreation opportunities.
III. Giving & Grantmaking - We support the creation of a healthy, active lifestyle through direct gifts to schools and our support of the Fayetteville Public Education Foundation.
Our Vision
A world in which active kids and families have opportunities to create healthy habits at an early age and a community that supports them in doing so.
We started in Fayetteville more than a decade ago, and continue to serve our hometown as well as the greater Northwest Arkansas region and beyond.
Meet Our Board and Staff
-
Board President Derek Lee
Derek is a Fayetteville native, University of Arkansas alumni and co-founder of Rise Physical Therapy. He has been involved with the Spark Foundation for years as a runner, volunteer and sponsor. He joined the board in January 2025.
-
Board Vice President-Trish Easley
Trish began volunteering with Spark Foundation in 2024 and joined the board in January 2025. Her spark for an active lifestyle is running, teaching Physical Education and being involved with community organizations that promote healthy living. She enjoys training and running in community trail & road races with her daughter and husband.
-
Board Treasurer Jackson Bates
Jackson joined the board in November 2023 and we love the spark of inspiration he’s brought to the board. Jackson loves the simplicity of the Spark mission and purpose, and its ability to build community around healthy habits. He is motivated by the joy of seeing a set of grandparents, parents, children, and friends at their 4th consecutive race as a family celebrating spending time together while getting healthier and challenging themselves.
-
Board Secretary Samantha Crouch
Samantha joined the board in February 2024. She’s a runner, mother of two daughters and clinical assistant professor who teaches graduate nursing at Baylor University. She specializes in nurse-midwifery, and has a research focus in health policy.
-
Board Member Travis Landry
Derek is joined the Spark Board of Directors in January of 2026! Travis has been participating in Spark Foundation for years and has been a long time runner. He has supported Spark as a super volunteer and we are excited to have his vision, knowledge, and passion for our mission joining our team!
-
Director- Kelsey Brock
Kelsey first heard about the Spark Foundation as a participant in the 2015 Cow Paddy Run! She joined the Spark team in 2024 as our Director and if you have participated in a Spark race since then you have probably spotted her cheering you on at the finish line! She brings several years of nonprofit and fitness industry experience along with a degree in Health Promotion to help grow our impact across NWA!
-
Learn more about getting involved?