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A worthy cause

State Rep. Charlene Fite (R-Van Buren) was one of two recipients of 2017 WOW Women of the Year honors at the fourth annual WOWapalooza, a benefit for Women's Own Worth held Oct. 12 at the Arkansas Governor's Mansion in Little Rock. The event grossed more than $77,000 for the agency, which provides survivors of domestic violence and violent crimes with aid that includes emotional and financial support, therapy, family programs and housing assistance.

Guests mingled and bid for silent-auction items during the cocktail reception -- which included a signature drink named after the event -- then ventured outside to a dinner buffet set up in the mansion gardens before settling into tables in the Grand Hall.

Isabella Moller welcomed attendees and introduced Women's Own Worth founder Jajuan Archer. Remarks by Arkansas first lady Susan Hutchinson, a survivor testimony, honoree presentations and a live auction rounded out the evening's agenda.

Jennifer Lancaster received nods as a Women's Own Worth volunteer. Fite, who's serving her third term in the state House of Representatives, was honored for sponsoring anti-domestic violence legislation -- "including strengthening laws against stalking, establishing the domestic violence shelter act and enabling cosmetology students to receive training in recognizing signs of domestic violence," according to the evening's program.

-- Story and photos by Helaine R. Williams

High Profile on 10/22/2017

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