AY Media Group, one of Arkansas’s premier multimedia companies, is the presenting media sponsor of the Boots & Bling Champions Celebration on Saturday, Oct. 17, at the North Little Rock Event Center. The evening features award-winning country artist Tyler Kinch and benefits Alzheimer’s Arkansas, which has supported dementia caregivers in Central Arkansas since 1984.
The partnership is led by Heather Baker, president and publisher of AY Media Group. Baker has spent nearly 30 years at the intersection of media, business and community leadership in Arkansas. She has been the publisher of AY since 2017.
Today, she leads three statewide brands: AY About You, Arkansas Money & Politics and the Arkansas Mental Health Guide, along with a growing portfolio of digital media, live events and strategic partnerships.
Baker has built her career on a simple conviction: good storytelling elevates people. Under her leadership, AY Media Group has become a trusted voice for Arkansas business, leadership and community. It celebrates the people and organizations moving the state forward. That mission makes AY a natural partner for an evening dedicated to the state’s family caregivers.
“At AY, we believe our job is to elevate the people who make Arkansas better. Few people do that more faithfully than the caregivers Alzheimer’s Arkansas serves. They show up every day for someone they love, usually without recognition. We are proud to put our voice behind them and help this community rally around their work,” said Heather Baker, president and publisher of AY Media Group.
Baker will take the stage during the evening to introduce Tyler Kinch.
“Heather Baker has spent her career lifting up Arkansas stories and Arkansas people,” said Kimberly Kinder, interim executive director of Alzheimer’s Arkansas. “Having her and AY Media Group as our presenting media sponsor sends a clear message across this state: caregivers matter. Every dollar raised that night stays right here in Arkansas and goes straight to the families who need it.”
Kinch is one of the most decorated voices in Arkansas country music. The Lonoke native was named Arkansas Country Music Awards Entertainer of the Year in 2023. He earned Male Vocalist of the Year and Song of the Year for “Frontlines” in 2025. This year, “Dancing with a Cowboy” was named the 2026 ACMA Song of the Year. He got his start playing acoustic sets in Little Rock at Stickyz and the Rev Room; he has since shared the stage with Justin Moore at sold-out shows.
Boots & Bling brings together Arkansas business leaders, families and supporters for a night of Western glamour. The evening opens with a cocktail party from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., followed by dinner and the program from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Guests will enjoy live music, silent and live auctions, and the presentation of the 2026 Champions awards. Western Glam attire is encouraged.
The need in Arkansas is significant. According to the Alzheimer’s Association 2026 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, about 60,400 Arkansans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Roughly 175,000 Arkansans serve as unpaid caregivers for a family member or friend with dementia; more than half of them manage chronic health conditions of their own.
Alzheimer’s Arkansas is donor-funded and receives no significant government funding. Proceeds from Boots & Bling support free caregiver education and workshops, care navigation and continuing education training for professionals who serve people living with dementia.
Individual tickets are $150-$300. Sponsorships range from $1,500 to $25,000 and include reserved tables and event recognition. For tickets or sponsorship information, call 501-224-0021, email info@alzark.org, or visit alzark.org.
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