It was a trip to the Emerald City for those attending Evolve: A Night in Oz on Jan. 23 at the Statehouse Convention Center. Lighting transformed the walls of the Wally Allen Ballroom a glowing emerald green for the Centers for Youth and Families fundraiser. Some of the guests got into the Oz spirit by wearing green ties, green dresses or ruby red shoes.
The evening began with a patron party, then those with general admission tickets joined in. Music was by The Rodney Block Collective, and a silent auction helped raise proceeds. For dinner, guests enjoyed chicken and waffles, and some of the desserts featured tiny red poppies and silhouettes of the famous green city made from candy.
During the program, the Centers' Chief Executive Officer Doug Stadter noted the broad range of services provided by the organization -- from parenting classes and nutrition programs to residential mental health treatment. Gov. Asa Hutchinson was presented with the first Hero of Hope award. He received a piece of art designed by Vickie Hendrix-Siebenmorgen and painted with the help of some of the young people from Centers. The evening wrapped up after a live auction and more music.
Event chairman was Bridget Norton. Molly McNulty served as co-chairman.
The sold-out event raised $198,000. "It was the third straight year for us to have a record-breaking evening that exceeded our goals for both attendance and overall revenue raised," said executive director Chris Shenep.
High Profile on 01/31/2016