LITTLE ROCK — Tom Purvis gave Arc Arkansas supporters an example of why the organization presented him with a Dover Award this year. He helped open a Sept. 27 luncheon at the Governor's Mansion by singing a hymn for guests. At the second annual Dover Awards, the Arc also gave visual and performing arts awards to Maraina Jennermann, Barbara Latta, Heather Brown and Arthur Brown. The event honors the organization's attorney, Darrell Dover of Dover Dixon Horne, for his commitment to people with developmental disabilities.
The Arc provides affordable housing where those with developmental disabilities can live independently, as well as support services through advocacy, education, leadership and recreational and arts activities. Arkansas Business named the Arc the 2006 Nonprofit Organization of the Year. The Arc's apartment housing facilities are the result of restoration of historic Arkansas properties, including the Historic Hot Springs High School Lofts, St. Anthony's Senior Living in Morrilton and the East Side and West Side Lofts and the Trinity Court Apartments in Little Rock.
"We want to have safe, affordable housing for people with disabilities," said Steven Hitt, the Arc Arkansas chief executive officer.
Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola said the Arc is a special organization to him.
"I have a little bit of history as it relates to the Arc," he said, charming guests with the story of how he met his future wife through her work as a physical therapist for Paul Browning, his godson, who has Down's syndrome.
Stodola praised the organization's leadership in and use of historic-building rehabilitation to benefit current needs. Dover has extensive knowledge and expertise in real estate, low-income and tax-credit law, he said.
"It's an honor and a privilege to be associated with the Arc Arkansas," Dover said. "It's beyond belief what might be accomplished."
Lunsford Bridges, the president and chief executive officer of Metropolitan National Bank, served as master of ceremonies.
Guests celebrating included Arc Arkansas board members Keith Riggs, Trish Blaylock, Carl Jackson, Mary Ellen Ware, Martie North and Albert Hurst; and North Little Rock Mayor Patrick Henry Hays, Larry Choate, Jim Cargill, David Bartlett, John Jenkins, Dan Rollett, Bob Birch, Donna Hardcastle,Tom Stone, Joe Purvis, Cyril Hollingsworth, Dick Horne, Monty Estes, John Peace, Nona Robinson, Becky and Monty Scott, Amy and Brian Hill and David French.
High Profile, Pages 50 on 10/07/2007