What's an auction without that venerated Casa Vista Magnifica vacation home in Costa Rica? It's hard to imagine that much-sold item missing from a major Little Rock fundraiser.
Sure enough, it was among the auction items that helped gross more than $150,000 at the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation's annual Rockin' Blue Ribbon Bash, held Aug. 17 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Little Rock.
Former Gov. Mike Beebe was the featured honoree. April and John Findlay were co-chairmen. Attendees sipped a signature drink and other cocktails during a VIP reception, bid on silent auction items, then sat down to a sumptuous dinner by Petit & Keet Bar and Grill.
Steered by Craig O'Neill, the program also included honors for volunteer Al Robertson, recipient of the Dr. Charles W. Logan Service Award, and Helen Baldwin, recipient of the Women Fighting Prostate Cancer Award.
Urologist Dr. Tim Langford introduced Beebe, highlighting his role in the provision of funding for cancer awareness and treatment in Arkansas, some of which benefited the foundation. Beebe told the audience that "the real heroes are you folks ... who give of your time and your talent and your money to help support the cause" and reminisced about the cigarette tax that made possible the funding Langford mentioned.
"Of the 50 states, only one has kept the promise [to the federal government] for 100 percent of that money going in some way for health care, either in cancer research, treatment or cessation or prevention of smoking or health care ... and it's Arkansas," Beebe said. Afterward, the Findlays shared their experience with prostate cancer during a special donation appeal.
Rockin' music for the evening was provided by DJ Whit Cooper.
-- Story and photos by Helaine R. Williams
High Profile on 08/27/2017