There were many showstoppers at the 2016 Arkansas Woman of Inspiration Luncheon, held Oct. 13 in the Wally Allen Ballroom of the Statehouse Convention Center.
First it was the runway show by the New York design team of Isaac Franco and Ken Kaufman, with model after model of KaufmanFranco's clingy and free-flowing gowns and eye-fetching outfits. Then came first lady and honorary chairman Susan Hutchinson's tearful plea for support for Children's Advocacy Centers of Arkansas, the event's beneficiary.
Next, brothers Matthew and Dr. Marc Smith courageously spoke about their childhood in Texarkana, which was filled with chilling recollections of sexual abuse by a youth baseball coach (now in prison). The two have been recognized nationally for their public policy work on the issue of childhood sexual abuse and were instrumental in removing the statute of limitations for prosecuting such abuse cases in Arkansas.
The pair received the advocacy centers' Blue Ribbon Award for their work. During the years of their abuse and without advocacy centers that exist today, "we were left to find our way from a place of being wounded," Marc Smith said. The state is home to 15 centers that served about 5,300 children last year. Children can be interviewed by police and social workers and be examined and treated all in one trip, which reduces the number of times the kids have to retell their horrific experiences.
Lastly, the 2016 Woman of Inspiration, the brilliantly minded business boss Johnelle Hunt, took the stage in front of some 700 people, including a dozen or so of her best buds from Northwest Arkansas. She was gracious in accepting the award from Hutchinson and event co-chairman Shayla Copas, but it was evident that she was still moved by the Smith brothers' retelling of their abuse and redirected the spotlight to the advocacy centers and their workers.
"I stand here today not for me, but for all those who work with these children. I praise you," Hunt said.
Stacy Thompson, executive director of the Children's Advocacy Centers of Arkansas, said the luncheon is the centers' only fundraiser and that there is no other form of financial support for the organization.
KTHV's Dawn Scott served as master of ceremonies. Sara Massana was also co-chairman. The luncheon grossed about $600,000, including $19,000 raised during an on-the-spot special appeal. Lunch was stuffed chicken over mushroom risotto, baby carrots and asparagus.
High Profile on 10/23/2016