"Welcome to the Caribbean" was the theme of the Alzheimer's Arkansas Advocates of the Year Dinner at the Metroplex on March 19 inspired by a Costa Rica vacation package donated for the event's live auction.
Brightly colored tablecloths centered with lush arrangements of orchids, bamboo and large monstera leaves created a festive tropical atmosphere. Dinner was an island-inspired menu by Chef Chris Tanner of Cheers that included pimento wood-smoked Jamaican jerk rubbed chicken with a tomatillo coconut sauce served with roasted peppers stuffed with coconut rice and Cuban-style beans.
Bill Hartnedy served as the auctioneer, and the winning bid for the Costa Rica vacation donated by Barbara and Jerry Barnett was $10,000. The other items, which included a Labrador puppy, artwork by Steve Griffith, a pendant by Cory Lawson and diamond hoop earrings donated by Tim and Dana DeMesy, brought in $3,750.
After the auction, the evening's honorees were introduced. Executive Director Elise Siegler noted the three outstanding women had special gifts. Melissa Longing of Conway, chairman of the Conway Walk for Alzheimer's, was named Outstanding Volunteer Advocate and Jana Wineland of Paragould was named Outstanding Support Group Facilitator. The Outstanding Advocate for 2015 was Sharon Heflin.
Money raised from the event, said Siegler, would go toward the nonprofit's Phyllis K. Watkins Endowed Family Assistance Program and other programs and services for Arkansans who have been affected by Alzheimer's disease.
Ellie and Brian Smith were event co-chairmen.
-- Story and photos by
Cary Jenkins
High Profile on 03/29/2015