Passion and fashion will collide Sept. 6 in an evening of fundraising and fun at the Woman of Inspiration event, courtesy of Children's Advocacy Centers of Arkansas.
That night, a little taste of New York fashion will hit Little Rock with a Carolina Herrera show, along with auction items and uplifting stories about overcoming child abuse.
Event co-chairman Anne Preston promises an "elegant evening full of laughter, maybe a few tears and an amazing fashion show."
Preston and her fellow Children's Advocacy Centers board member and Woman of Inspiration co-chairman Alisha Curtis developed a zeal for helping abused children thanks to first lady Susan Hutchinson, and they've been spreading that dedication ever since, recruiting friends and family to help in their work.
Children's Advocacy Centers is a network that provides free services for children who are survivors of abuse and their families. Included are medical services, counseling and forensic interviews. There are 15 centers across Arkansas with plans for expansion.
"The goal is for a child and their parent or guardian to not have to drive more than an hour to get help," Curtis says.
Last year, the organization helped more than 5,000 children.
Curtis is executive assistant, economic development liaison and director of special projects for Gov. Asa Hutchinson. Preston is married to Mike Preston, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. So, both have worked closely with the first lady, who serves on the centers' board and is honorary chairman for Woman of Inspiration.
"This is [Susan Hutchinson's] passion, and this is her main charity that she's worked on," Curtis says. "It's near and dear to her heart."
Preston says, "Because [Hutchinson] was so passionate about it and she explained how important the organization is, it made me want to get involved as well." Her job as a Little Rock-based newscaster for stories that air in markets across the country helps keep her interest elevated.
"Not a week goes by that I'm not doing a story about a child being abused," she says. "So this was one way I could try to help."
Children's Advocacy Centers' annual Woman of Inspiration event, now in its third year, honors those who have devoted their time and efforts to fighting child abuse.
This year's Woman of Inspiration is Lisenne Rockefeller, who, Curtis and Preston say, has devoted a great deal of time to helping children across the state. "When you meet her, you know she has a passion for children because it's one of the first things she'll talk about," Preston says.
"We had to twist her arm to get her to be the honoree this year," Curtis says about the demure Rockefeller. "She doesn't need the thanks," Preston says, "but she's well-deserving of our thanks."
The biggest attention-getter will be the fashion show by designer Carolina Herrera, presented by local retailer Barbara Jean.
"It's really special because it's the week before Fashion Week kicks off in New York," Preston says. "We're kind of having our own New York-style runway brought to you in Little Rock, Arkansas.
"Carolina Herrera is such a well-known, recognizable designer, and there is certainly a buzz around town about this. When people find out it's going to be a show by Carolina Herrera, their eyes light up," Preston adds.
This year, for the first time, the event will include a cocktail dinner. There's also a silent auction of items such as Disney World tickets, guided duck hunts, wine packages, signed guitars and jewelry. Even those who can't attend can participate in the auction by bidding online.
And attendees will all go home with "a special surprise gift."
Rockefeller is not the only honoree this year. The organization is also giving the Blue Ribbon Award to Garrett Lewis, chief meteorologist with KFSM 5News in Northwest Arkansas. The award is given to an adult survivor of child abuse who has worked to bring awareness to the problem.
Preston says, "Above and beyond, it's all about raising money for this organization and trying to help these children as best we can."
With corporate sponsorships and the work of the volunteer committee, they're already off to a roaring start. They've raised more than $400,000 and expect to pass the $500,000 mark met last year. The money will be used to improve the existing 15 centers with staff training, growth and development, equipment and supplies. Money will also go toward building more centers around Arkansas.
Preston and Curtis stress that, aside from raising money, one of the biggest goals is getting the word out about Children's Advocacy Centers of Arkansas and the services it provides.
Preston says she had a friend open up to her about her childhood sexual abuse after Preston told her about her work with the centers. The friend ended up seeking help.
Curtis says, "Even if we touch one person, it's huge."
The Woman of Inspiration is 6 p.m. Sept. 6 at the Statehouse Convention Center. For more information, call (501) 615-8633 or visit cacarkansas.org.
High Profile on 08/27/2017