You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And you are the one who’ll decide where to go …
This melodious verse from the Dr. Seuss book Oh, the Places You’ll Go! was invoked by Dr. Aaron Strong, co-chairman of the third annual “Once Upon A Time” benefit for Reach Out and Read Arkansas. The event took place Oct. 17 at Pleasant Valley Country Club, and its theme - the Seuss book title - was a reminder that “with a little help, every child can succeed.”
Strong and his wife, Anna Strong, along with Reach Out and Read executive director Kathy Vining DeLone and board members, mingled with guests that included such notables as Bobby Roberts, director of the Central Arkansas Library System, and Ginger and Gov. Mike Beebe.
Tables were decorated with centerpieces featuring - what else? - books. Guests bid on auction items and had photos of themselves taken in festive headgear and props, compliments of Karen Segrave McCall and Michael McCall.
During a short program, Aaron Strong addressed the purpose of Reach Out and Read, while Anna Strong spoke of the benefits of the program, which uses 35 Arkansas pediatric clinics to put books in the hands of about 62,000 Arkansas youngsters, ages 6 months to 5 years, annually to help them develop literacy skills. The Strongs gave kudos to several individuals, including Dr. Chad Rodgers and Peggy Sissel-Phelan, co-founder of the Reach Out and Read effort in Arkansas; and DeLone.
Music was provided by Rodney Block and the Real Music Lovers, who turned the latter part of the event into a dance party.
High Profile, Pages 44 on 10/27/2013