For philanthropist Johnelle Hunt, the 2016 Woman of Inspiration, the big event will be an Oct. 13 luncheon in her honor, benefiting the Children's Advocacy Centers of Arkansas. But Hunt was feted early during a Sept. 15 patron party that will surely rival the splendor of the main event.
The seated dinner party -- actually a gift for the major donors of the forthcoming luncheon -- was held at the Arkansas Governor's Mansion. Presented by Baldwin & Shell Construction Co. and co-chaired by Shayla Copas and Sara Massana, the event afforded its guests the opportunity to mingle, have cocktails and enjoy the music of the Rodney Block Collective before being seated and welcomed by master of ceremonies Dawn Scott. Scott Copas, Baldwin & Shell president and chief executive officer, gave opening remarks. First lady Susan Hutchinson, honorary event chairman, introduced Hunt. "I know of no woman who has a bigger heart or cares more about Arkansas ... specifically about children, than Johnelle Hunt," Hutchinson said.
Hunt offered her appreciation to "every one of you that could come together and ... help children. That's what it's really all about, it's just how much money can we raise to help more children, and do more for children," she said. She praised the advocacy centers and said she was just standing in for them "because they do all the work."
Dinner, which featured crawfish and mushroom pork tenderloin en croute, was followed by a video showcasing the centers. A humor-filled live auction, conducted by Gaylon McGee, included such items as a Razorback first-down game-day package donated by Susan and Herren Hickingbotham; a painting by Helen Benton; and a $17,900 amethyst and diamond necklace pendant donated by Sissy's Log Cabin. As guests enjoyed desserts of Grand Marnier chocolate-filled cannoli, centers Executive Director Stacy Thompson joined Shayla Copas and Massana in offering end-of-evening remarks.
The 2016 Woman of Inspiration event has raised $550,000 for the centers, which work to aid abused and neglected children.
-- Story and photos by Helaine R. Williams
High Profile on 09/25/2016