LITTLE ROCK — About 500 people gathered Aug. 20 for a dinner at the Doubletree Hotel to pay tribute to Monsignor Scott Friend.
The event, the 2009 MS Dinner of Champions, raised $105,775 for the fight against multiple sclerosis. Friend was diagnosed in 2003 with MS.
During the event, many of Friend's colleagues spoke on his behalf, including his physician, Dr. Lee Archer.
Other speakers included Debbie Broadway, who was diagnosed with the disease almost 20 years ago, and The Rev. Mick Mulvaney, Monsignor Gaston Hebert and Deacon Chuck Marino of Springdale.
"He is the epitome of hope and encouragement," Marino said. "He has an incredible love of God and tremendous energy despite his disease."
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, disabling disease of the central nervous system.
Friend was born in Little Rock and attended Catholic schools in the capital city.
Since his ordination to the priesthood in 1987, Friend has been an advocate for the Hispanic community and thefirst director of the Diocese of the Little Rock Hispanic Office. He earned title of monsignor in 2003. Currently, Friend is serving as vocations director and vicar general of the Diocese of Little Rock.
Harriet and WarrenStephens were the presenting sponsors of the event. The dinner was chaired by Andy Vines. Snell Prosthetics and Orthotics was the champion sponsor.
Others who attended the dinner included Charles and Nancy Baker, Bill and Carol Wrape, Mark Hooper, Jim France, Dr.
Gene France, Marie Friend, Julie Cawthron, Teresa Luneau, Brooke Vines, Pat Kamisky, Brandy and Chris Hubener, Jeff and Maria Walker, Alison Melson, Tim Stephenson, Robert Bacon, Jim Badami, Kelly Reep, and Rick and Pam Blank.
High Profile, Pages 40 on 08/30/2009