Melanie Jackson knew in advance she'd been named Woman of the Year by Women and Children First, but when it came time for her to stand up and be recognized, she slumped in her chair and cried tears of humility.
"I didn't expect to cry my eyelashes off, but if you see one hanging off, wave a card and I'll try to put 'em back on," she told the crowd of about 450 people. She said she was so reluctant to be honored that she almost backed out.
Jackson was recognized for her role at P.A.R.K. (Positive Atmosphere Reaches Kids) at the 2017 Woman of the Year Gala, held Feb. 4 at the Little Rock Marriott ballroom. Jackson's trademark expression -- "Get up and be somebody" -- was mentioned in her tribute video.
The black-tie event raised more than $270,000 for Women and Children First, which provides crisis intervention and shelter for domestic violence survivors and their children. Presenting sponsors Natalie and Win Rockefeller announced a forthcoming capital campaign to raise money for a new, larger, more functional shelter. Development director Sarah Pollack said the organization is still in the early stages of the campaign.
The evening started with a cocktail reception in the lobby outside the ballroom. Jackson and her husband, Keith, were the centers of attention at a VIP reception in the Arkansas Ballroom downstairs. KTHV's Craig O'Neill kept the laughs rolling as master of ceremonies with an occasional assist from KARK's D.J. Williams. Williams is a Peacekeeper volunteer for Women and Children First.
The Peacekeepers honored one of their own, Gloria Redman, for her stalwart dedication to the cause. Redman was lauded as the group's "biggest cheerleader and worker bee."
Event chairman Diana Smithson and co-chairman Bobbi McDaniel got Jackson onstage for a few words and the unveiling of a portrait of the honoree. Jackson and her man took to the dance floor for the first dance of the evening (to Marvin Gaye's "I Heard It Through the Grapevine"), then many in the crowd joined them. Music was by Dizzy7.
The dinner menu was selected by Jackson and comprised some of her go-to fare: root beer-braised short ribs, cheddar mashed potatoes, roasted green beans and honey-glazed baby carrots. Dessert was her favorite, German chocolate cake.
-- Story and photos by Cyd King
High Profile on 02/12/2017