A host of "barn burners" and "big leaguers" showed up in modern-day and '60s-style formal wear for the 2016 Gala for Life, one of the largest parties of Little Rock's fall social season.
Held Sept. 30 in the Wally Allen Ballroom of the Statehouse Convention Center, the event bore a 1960s Vegas theme this year, complete with all the trappings: Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Frank Sinatra -- or at least their doppelgangers. A "champagne girl," suspended from a chandelier, poured glasses of bubbly -- upside down -- for eager guests. And yes, there were Las Vegas showgirls.
Co-chaired by Carol and Dr. Porter Rodgers Jr., this cool-and-crazy event was presented by Highlands Oncology Group and the Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation to benefit the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Guests feasted on a four-course dinner featuring grilled sirloin filet and lemon wine-poached lobster tail. Menus, topped by the image of a black bow tie, were placed in napkins folded to resemble mini-tuxedo jackets.
KTHV's Craig O'Neill was master of ceremonies for a program that began with remarks by Dr. Peter Emanuel, director of the institute, and the Rodgerses. Videos gave tribute to Pat Walker, the Springdale philanthropist who passed away Sept. 2 at the age of 97, and showcased the experiences of Korey Heath, a UAMS radiation oncology patient who made a personal appearance. O'Neill spearheaded an appeal for donations to treat young cancer patients, their parents and siblings to a VIP experience at the Nov. 5 Arkansas Razorbacks home football game against Florida.
The Rat Pack Tribute Show brought Dean, Sammy and Frank back to life. Appearing first in tuxes, then in sharkskin suits, the imitators belted out the hits for which their namesakes were known: "Ain't That a Kick in the Head," "Volare," "That Old Black Magic," "The Candy Man," "My Way," "The Lady Is a Tramp," and "New York, New York." Joining the Rat Pack singers later in the show were "Marilyn Monroe" (who sang "Happy Birthday to You" to Johnny Mike Walker of the Walker Foundation) and "Elvis."
To reference the Rat Pack gambler's anthem, luck was truly a lady to the Gala for Life. More than $1.2 million was raised for the UAMS Radiation Oncology Center, according to event coordinator Catherine Tapp.
High Profile on 10/09/2016