GETTING THE PARTY STARTED

Woo-ing A-teamers

Gala marks midway point of UA’s $1 billion fundraising drive

FAYETTEVILLE -- The University of Arkansas launched its multi-year $1 billion Campaign Arkansas with a $450,000 black-tie gala at Bud Walton Arena on Sept. 16. The guest list included 400-plus of the heaviest hitters and the administration and development professionals who court them.

The fund drive started in July 2012 and is already halfway toward its goal, with nearly $529 million raised. The end date is set for June 2020.

UA Chancellor Joe Steinmetz, accompanied by his wife, Sandy, said the campaign's aim is to keep tuition affordable while enhancing academic opportunities for faculty and students.

"Without increases in state funding, private fundraising is the mechanism that allows us to support student scholarships, research and innovation, study-abroad opportunities, the creation of new interdisciplinary programs and the renovation of our existing facilities," the chancellor said.

For the event, organizers used black draping and lighting overhead and around the sides to create an atmosphere so intimate that one would not suspect the party took place on the floor of a 19,000-seat basketball arena.

It was the same spot where master of ceremonies T.J. Holmes received his diploma 17 years ago. He is an anchorman and correspondent for ABC, where he's best known for his work on Good Morning America. Previous to joining ABC in late 2014, he worked eight years as an anchorman and correspondent for CNN. The West Memphis native was accompanied at the gala by his wife, Marilee, and their daughter, Sabine.

Holmes admitted it has been a long time since he made a donation but that he has mentioned the Razorbacks or sported Razorback attire during three extended segments on Good Morning America of late.

"Advertisers pay about $50,000 for 30 seconds of air time on network morning television. So you do the math. I've contributed over half a million dollars in free advertising to the university in the last year and a half," Holmes joked.

A four-course meal including champagne bearnaise filet, asparagus and truffle-whipped mashed potatoes was prepared by Chartwell's, the university's on-campus food service and catering provider. Between courses, the well-heeled crowd watched videos of anticipated future, current and past UA students and heard from campaign co-chairmen Bob and Sandra Connor of Little Rock, Reynie Rutledge of Searcy and Shelley and Doug McMillon, president and CEO of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Ann Bodenhamer Rosso spoke for Lee and Beverly Bodenhamer, who are campaign treasurers.

Campaign co-chairmen not at the party were Johnelle Hunt, Marilyn Bogle, Boyce Billingsley and Bill Dillard. Also missed was the late Pat Walker, a major UA donor and regular guest at UA fundraising events big and small.

-- Story and photos by Cyd King

High Profile on 09/25/2016

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