It's such a popular see-and-be-seen event it had to be moved to a larger venue than the Clinton Presidential Center. The 2014 edition of the annual Firefighters All White Affair took place June 7 in the ballroom of the Little Rock Marriott hotel.
The event -- not an anachronistic reference to segregation but, rather, preferred attire -- sold out. As expected, the fashion-watching opportunities were varied and priceless. Guests turned out in little white dresses, short-shorts and blazer sets, maxis, gowns, palazzo pant ensembles, men's casual linen sets and dapper suits.
The All White Affair was a benefit for F.I.R.E.S. (Finding Incentives, Reaching and Empowering Students) Inc. Guests were greeted by Little Rock Fire Chief Gregory L. Summers along with fellow firefighter Joseph Gray, executive director of F.I.R.E.S. Both later spoke about the organization, whose mission "is to improve the employment opportunities in the fire service for minorities by encouraging participation in educational processes related to fire and emergency services."
The group awards scholarships for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences' emergency medical technician training. The 2014 scholarship recipients, along with members of the Little Rock Fire Department's junior fire cadet program for high school students, were introduced.
The night's musical entertainment was The Dell Smith Experience; jazz violinists Michael Ward and Lexington Porter; and, as headliner, '80s R&B recording artist Glenn Jones, who performed his hit "Show Me" along with others.
The total raised for the event was not known at press time but Summers said the goal of $12,000 -- the cost of eight scholarships -- had been met.
-- Story and photos by Helaine R. Williams
High Profile on 06/15/2014