Curtain Call for a Cause, a benefit for Arkansas Enterprises for the Developmentally Disabled, has the dubious honor of having taken place in inclement weather each of its four years. This one, lightning didn't strike the building. Neither did the weather ward off attendees of the event, which took place May 29 at Argenta Community Theater.
The evening began with a reception and silent auction. It segued into a dinner by Catering for You that featured chicken piccata for the general-admission ticketholders. VIPs, seated on the balcony, were treated to grilled beef tenderloin with horseradish sauce.
Debbie Grooms, development coordinator for Arkansas Enterprises, welcomed the audience and recognized sponsors, then gave way to the pre-show entertainment: "Minnie the Moocher Bites the Dust," a skit written and performed by Arkansas Enterprises' Acts in the Rock (adult clients). Later, she called it "the best [show] yet" and said that the goal to raise $20,000 was surpassed by more than 25 percent.
Then came "An Act of Faith," produced by the theater and directed by Vincent Insalaco and Christen Pitts. Performances included a piano solo by Tatiana Roitman Mann; preview performances from the theater's coming production of Fiddler on the Roof; a performance by the Alan Storeygard Trio; a dance performance by I Can! Dance; a ballet performance by Caroline Young of Arkansas Festival Ballet; a guitar solo by Michael Hall; a performance by the North Little Rock High School Dance Troupe; a Broadway musical number by Harrison Russell; and an "a cappella" tap dance performance by Untapped.
A live auction featured a pheasant hunting trip and a Cayman Islands vacation.
Arkansas Enterprises for the Developmentally Disabled provides services to children and adults with developmental disabilities. Curtain Call for a Cause benefits art and drama programs offered to Arkansas Enterprises clients, a new library at the agency's preschool, and tuition for 10 adults to attend the Pulaski Technical College Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute.
-- Story and photos by Helaine R. Williams
High Profile on 06/08/2014