... AND IT WAS WORTH IT

WOWed by it all

Abuse and crime survivor group reveres its Woman of the Year

Heather Baker, publisher of multimedia firm Vowell Inc., was honored as 2019 W.O.W. Woman of the year Oct. 11 at the sixth annual WOWapalooza. The dinner and fundraiser for Women's Own Worth, an agency that offers support and individualized services for survivors of domestic violence and violent crimes, took place in the Grand Hall of the Arkansas Governor's Mansion. The event was emceed by Brandi Passante, co-star of A&E Network reality show Storage Wars.

A cocktail reception, complete with silent-auction items and a signature "WOWatini," preceded the meal.

Emerging country music artist Bailey Hefley started the evening off with a performance. Jajuan Archer, Women's Own Worth founder, spoke about the occasion and the agency before introducing guest speaker Ange Ondrisek, a survivor of the Alamo Christian Foundation cult led by Tony and Susan Alamo. Afterward, Baker was presented with honors for her commitment to families that have been affected by domestic violence and violent crime, sharing stories of abuse survivors in Vowell Inc.'s AY Magazine.

Rebecca Estep spoke about the Silent Witness Project, which -- via life-size plywood silhouettes provided by the Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence and displayed at the event -- memorializes and tells the stories of those who were murdered by a spouse, partner or acquaintance. Estep read the names, ages and towns of the 2018 victims.

Wrapping up the night was a live auction, conducted by the always-humorous Gaylen McGee and featuring such goodies as a NASCAR experience, and a raffle drawing.

The evening's proceeds will go toward Women's Own Worth's first transition home.

High Profile on 10/20/2019

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