Children's advocate Misty Hunt was recognized as 2020 W.O.W. Woman of the Year at WOWapalooza, the seventh annual soiree that generates funds for Women's Own Worth. The event was Oct. 2 in the Grand Hall of the Arkansas Governor's Mansion.
Women's Own Worth provides comprehensive aid to those affected by domestic violence and violent crime. Half the proceeds for WOWapalooza were earmarked for the organization's new Transition House community.
Guests partook of cocktails that included the signature "WOWatini," as well as a full dinner. Ryan Harmon, country music artist and past American Idol contestant, performed before and after the night's program.
KARK TV news anchor Laura Monteverdi was mistress of ceremonies for said program, which featured remarks from Arkansas first lady Susan Hutchinson. Jajuan Archer, Women's Own Worth founder, spoke about the organization, showed a video of a family helped by it, and recognized event committee members.
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As always, the most sobering element of WOWapalooza was Rebecca Estep's reading of the names, ages and counties of women, men and children who were 2019 domestic-violence homicide victims in Arkansas. The reading followed her review of the Silent Witness program -- red life-size, stand-up silhouettes representing these victims, placed around the Grand Hall and bearing their stories.
A live auction by Stephen Bray rounded out the evening.
-- Story and photos by Helaine R. Williams