If the patron party is any indication, the 2017 Woman of Inspiration gala honoring Lisenne Rockefeller is going to be off the chain. More than $430,000 has already been raised ahead of the Sept. 6 main event, which is sold out.
Sponsors who support the beneficiary -- Children's Advocacy Centers of Arkansas -- with either cash or in-kind donations were the stars of the patron party, held Tuesday at the Arkansas Governor's Mansion.
The nonprofit centers, which provide a wide range of services to abused and neglected children, have the full attention of the state's first lady, Susan Hutchinson. She was honored as the first Woman of Inspiration in 2015, followed by Johnelle Hunt last year. Hutchinson continues to be closely involved with the event and speaks with passion -- and often, tears -- when talking about the children helped by the centers. She continues to serve the event as honorary chairman.
In addition to Rockefeller, the Sept. 6 event will honor Garrett Lewis, KFSM-TV chief meteorologist, who himself is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse by a neighbor.
A live auction at Tuesday's patron party included a Dallas Cowboys sideline box for four, a two-night adventure package for 10 at Buffalo Outdoor Center in Ponca valued at $5,500 and a private dinner at the Governor's Mansion, among other items and experiences.
(More information about the Woman of Inspiration event can be found on 1D of the High Profile section.)
-- Story and photos by Cyd King
High Profile on 08/27/2017