A diverse crowd filled the Governor's Halls of the Statehouse Convention Center the night of Oct. 13 to first honor health insurance guru Greg Hatcher and then rock it out to country singer Martina McBride's top hits and new material. Some 800 people attended, raising $370,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas.
The evening started with a VIP reception in a reserved section of the expanded hall, followed by dinner and then a toast to Hatcher, who founded The Hatcher Agency in September 1991. Event chairman Kristi Dannelley welcomed the crowd, then Rex Horne Jr., Jamie Harrison and Rush Harding lobbed some softball toasts in Hatcher's direction. David Bazzel was the master of ceremonies.
A silent auction and live Fund-A-Match appeal for "Bigs" and "Littles" pairings also contributed to proceeds.
McBride strutted on stage under spotlights and a starry, glittery backdrop. Her blockbuster "Independence Day" brought the biggest response from the crowd, and she capped off the evening with a couple of easy-listening encores, including Van Morrison's "Wild Night." Afterward, guests wearing VIP badges were allowed into an area where they could have their photo made with the singer.
The Hatcher Agency has grown from Hatcher and one assistant in 500 square feet of space in 1991 to a business with 50 employees and more than 650 group clients and upward of 180,000 insured people. The Hatcher Agency is said to be the top producer for eight different insurance companies in Arkansas and has led the state in health insurance sales every year since it has been in business.
High Profile on 10/23/2016