In a way, baby-sitting got Lauren Manatt involved with Easter Seals Arkansas.
Manatt, chairman of this year's Fashion Event, the Feb. 24 fundraiser that sends Easter Seals clients and professional models down the runway in the latest threads from local boutiques, says that a program through her former church enlightened her about children and adults with disabilities.
"They had a program where you baby-sat for families that had children with disabilities so the parents could have a night out," says Manatt, a personal injury lawyer with Rainwater Holt and Sexton in Little Rock. "That was my first exposure. I was a little intimidated ... but I really enjoyed it and found it very rewarding."
She eventually came to Easter Seals through her friend Rachel Harding, and is chairman of this year's Fashion Event at the Little Rock Marriott. KARK's Mallory Brooks and D.J. Williams will host the event, with music by the band Boom Kinetic.
"Lauren is a super-competitive go-getter, so I knew she would be great when it came to putting on events and helping raise money," says Harding, who has been friends with Manatt since the two attended college together at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. "It was a no-brainer to recruit her, and so far, she's knocking it out of the park."
Manatt, who grew up in Sheridan, has served on the Fashion Event committee for the past three or four years. "Rachel reached out to me about Easter Seals, and it sounded like a really good cause," she says.
The show is more than just models and clothes.
"We try to educate the audience on what some of the goals are for some of these kids," she says. "For some, just having the courage to get on the stage and walk down the runway is their goal and a big accomplishment. People are cheering for them. It's a very unique experience."
Manatt talks about Easter Seals client Haven McCormack, an 11-year-old fifth-grader at Fulbright Elementary with cerebral palsy who has modeled at past Fashion Events.
"The first two years I came to the fashion show she walked down the aisle with [the help of] a device. Her goal was to walk independently and she's accomplished that. She's the smilingest girl. You're never going to catch her without a smile on her face. It's very inspiring."
The Easter Seals mission is also inspiring to Manatt who, with husband Craig, has a 15-month-old son and a daughter on the way.
"The main thing they do is educate the world on those with disabilities," she says. "And they try to help people with disabilities to become as independent as possible. So instead of just maintaining their [clients'] health or the status quo, Easter Seals wants to take it a step further ... they want to help those that are capable to be functioning members of society, because that would benefit society and the individual as well."
Easter Seals operates four Independent Living apartment complexes for adults. There's also the 10-bed Butler Adult Living Center, job training and placement services and an adult day program.
For children, there is a developmental preschool, high-risk infant monitoring and inpatient rehabilitation. Outpatient physical, speech and occupational therapies are also offered among Easter Seals children's services.
The 2016 fashion show raised about $140,000, says Manatt, who is also the membership chairman of the Guardians Board at Easter Seals, which is made up of young professionals.
"We hope to improve every year," she says of this year's Fashion Event goal. She also noted that, according to the 2016 financial statement from Easter Seals, 88.13 percent of support and revenue given is spent on programs and services.
Last year's Fashion Event chairman, Jacquelyn Harrison, feels that the 2017 version is in good hands.
"What makes the best volunteer is someone who is passionate for the cause," she says. "Lauren certainly is that. It's a hard job chairing these events, especially when you're a mom, are working full time and are pregnant. She's all of those things but still manages to focus on the purpose of volunteering, which is raising money and awareness for Easter Seals."
From baby-sitting to heading up a major fundraiser, Manatt is happy her journey has taken her to Easter Seals.
"It's important to help others," she says. "And when you find something that pulls at your heartstrings, I think you follow that."
The Easterseals Fashion Event begins at 6 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the Little Rock Marriott, 3 Statehouse Plaza. Tickets are $50 for general admission and $100 for reserved seating. For tickets or more information, visit easterseals.com/arkansas.
High Profile on 02/12/2017