MALVERN — Although members of the Malvern Area Kiwanis Club do serious work in the community, they oftentimes do not take themselves too seriously.
“We are serious about what we do and promote good things,” said Susan Lafond, past president and current treasurer of the Malvern Area Kiwanis Club and lieutenant governor of Division 15, Missouri-Arkansas Division, Kiwanis International. “But we don’t take ourselves too seriously. We like to have fun and fellowship and promote the club.”
One of the ways the local Kiwanis Club promotes itself is by sponsoring its annual Chili Supper and Sexy Legs Contest. This year’s fundraiser will feature a variety of homemade chili and desserts, as well as a group of 20 men who are willing to show the community their “sexy legs.” Contest participants solicit donations/votes at $1 apiece from supporters, and the contestant who raises the most money wins a leg lamp, a replica of the one made famous in the movie A Christmas Story.
Three runners-up will also receive prizes.
The event is set for 5-7 p.m. Saturday at the Malvern Boys & Girls Club, 1840 W. Moline St. Tickets are $8 for ages 13 and older and $4 for ages 6-12. Children 5 and younger will be admitted free. Proceeds will benefit the children of Hot Spring County and The Eliminate Project, sponsored by Kiwanis International and UNICEF to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus.
Lafond said the Malvern Kiwanis Club supports many local organizations, including the Malvern Boys & Club, the Hot Spring County Backpack Program, the Hot Spring County Library’s summer reading program, HannahGrace’s Gift Toy Drive for Foster Children, the Malvern High School Boys State and Girls State representatives, and the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership program at Malvern High School.
“This is year No. 6 for the Sexy Legs Contest. I came up with the idea,” said Terri Bryant, Kiwanis Club board member and director of school improvement for the Malvern School District.
“It’s worked well,” Bryant said, adding that she had seen similar contests in the past and thought one might work as a fundraiser for the local civic organization.
“At first, men were a little reluctant to participate. … Some were humiliated; some were embarrassed,” she said. “It used to be anonymous with photos of their legs displayed on a poster, but over the years, many have embraced it. They have become creative about showing their legs. Now each one gets up on the stage and shows us his sexy legs.
“Walmart raised the most money last year. They set the bar last year. They collected $558.46. I’ve already had one contestant say this year, ‘If Walmart raised that, we can do $700 this year.’ So we’ll see.”
Benny Hardage, manager of the local Walmart Supercenter, won the Sexy Legs Contest last year.
“It’s for a good cause,” he said, smiling. “My associates won the contest for me. They held several fundraisers to come up with the money. They held a craft sale among the store employees, as well as a bake sale, and one associate also sold popcorn.
“We’re throwing our support this year to Jeff Wright, manager of our auto center.”
Hardage added that Walmart tries to support as many community projects as possible.
In addition to Wright, others participating in the Sexy Legs Contest and the businesses/organizations they represent include the following:
• Michael Acord, information technology director, the city of Malvern.
• Manuel Bulhoes, assistant principal, Malvern High School.
• Michael Burris, former state representative, representing First Presbyterian Church.
• Tom Dillard, Arkansas historian and president, Friends of the Hot Spring County Library.
• Cpl. Heath Dixson, the Malvern Police Department.
• Carlos Greathouse, the Malvern Fire Department, with his K-9, Sepa.
• Gerald Hatley, assistant superintendent, the Malvern School District.
• Boone Hyatt, youth director, Lifepoint Church.
• Jay Isenhour, plant manager, Acme Brick.
• Tony Jenkins, Malvern Insurance.
• Kris Kitchens, Anthony Timberlands.
• Jeff McJunkins, Baptist Health Medical Center-Hot Spring County.
• Markus Murdock, UPS.
• Ty Napper, the Malvern Boys & Girls Club.
• Zach Owens, trooper, the Arkansas State Police.
• Steve Rook, president, College of the Ouachitas.
• Shaun Sanders, AmeriPride and First Baptist Church, with his paws friend, Kevin.
• Jimbo Scrimshire, coach/educator, Glen Rose High School.
• Dr. Matt Teale, Teale Dentistry.
• Dennis Thornton, Hot Spring County judge.
Tickets to Saturday’s event are available from any member of the Malvern Area Kiwanis Club; tickets will also be available at the door.
For more information, contact Lafond at (501) 337-6422.