TASTE OF LITTLE ROCK

UALR shoots, scores

Change in venue nearly doubles annual alumni fundraiser’s attendance

Taste of Little Rock just keeps getting bigger and better. The main fundraising event of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Alumni Association has changed over the last few years, away from featuring international cuisine to focusing on the flavors of local restaurants. The biggest change occurred this year when the April 2 event, which has sold out the last few years, moved from the alumni association's Bailey Center to the main court of the Jack Stephens Center.

The move allowed for more local restaurants -- about 38 -- to be involved and 900 guests to attend, almost doubling last year's attendance of 500. The center of the basketball court was filled with tables, while the restaurants lined the edges. When the tables were full, guests sat in the stands to enjoy the tasty treats.

Christian O'Neal, associate vice chancellor for alumni and development, said the event raised more than $100,000. He attributed its success to the hard work of the organizing committee. "The committee did an outstanding job, exceeding my wildest expectations."

Chairing the committee were Mauri Douglass, Renee Shapiro and Herb Wright.

The evening's honoree was UALR graduate Ron Lazenby, now a real estate developer and owner of the Villa Marre.

-- Story and photos by

Cary Jenkins

High Profile on 04/12/2015

Upcoming Events