Patrons of the Wolfe Street Foundation's forthcoming Red Carpet 2017 (formerly known as Lights Camera Action), dropped in for an intimate gathering Jan. 31 at the west Little Rock home of co-chairmen Ashley and Allen Engstrom. The party was a precursor to the Feb. 26 gala, a black-tie Oscar night watch party benefiting the foundation.
The common areas of the home were dotted with event props, including images of silver-screen stars and even a couple of dress forms sporting Academy Award-worthy attire. Ashley Engstrom -- along with Caroline Ford, the executive director of the foundation -- greeted guests, who enjoyed the customary heavy hors d'oeuvres and libations. Gala volunteers Karen Holderfield and Charlotte Linch pre-sold red boxes representing a chance to win a pair of earrings donated by Jones & Son Diamond Bridal Fine Jewelry and valued at more than $4,000.
During a short program, Ford thanked attendees, introduced several new board members and outlined highlights of this year's gala, which will be held in the ballroom of the Robinson Center. A Stephano Sutherlin original painting of Alcoholics Anonymous founders Bill Wilson and Robert Smith was unveiled as one of the live-auction items to be sold that evening.
Wolfe Street Foundation is described on its website as the state's "largest nonprofit resource dedicated to recovery from alcoholism and addiction."
-- Story and photos by Helaine R. Williams
High Profile on 02/12/2017