FAYETTEVILLE — Dolls, every one of them, in their skinny jeans, silky scarves and eyelashes as long as their Christmas wish lists.
The 2010 class of American Heart Association Sweethearts gathered for a Dec. 8 Christmas party and gift exchange at the home of Dr. Raye and Elise Mitchell, parents of sweetheart Mackenzie Mitchell. Elise Mitchell is chairman of this year’s Sweetheart program, which includes 21 sophomore-age girls from across the region.
Earlier this fall, the girls attended a meet-and-greet at Mason’s, toured Northwest Medical Center-Springdale, gathered for a slumber party at the Mount Sequoyah Conference and Retreat Center and participated in a fundraiser during the Lights of the Ozarks lighting ceremony on the Fayetteville Square.
Next semester will bring a new wave of activities, including a father-daughter dinner in March and the culmination of the sweethearts’ reign, the Northwest Arkansas Heart Gala, slated for May 15. Participants apply for the privilege, provide references and pay or raise $1,000 for the heart association.
Other 2010 sweethearts and their parents are Elizabeth “Lizzie” Branch, Dr. David andNancy Buckley and Job Branch; Luci Brooks, Dr. Wayne and Sheri Brooks; Elizabeth Douglas, William and Jane Douglas; Yasmeen Ebbini, Genell Ebbini and Samir Ebbini; Hannah Fender, David and Theresa Fender; Savannah Franklin, Billy and Leslie Franklin; Claire Hollowell, Tom and Carmen Hennelly; Blakeley Hudson, Danny and Christye Hudson; Melanie Lee, Cooper and Barbara Lee; and Stephanie Long, Jeff and Fanny Long.
This year’s sweethearts and their parents also include Holyn Marshall, Todd and Amy Marshall; Sarah Kate McAlister, Dr. Mitch and Robin McAlister; Maddie Mee, Suellen Mee and David Mee; Madison Pitts, Darrin and Marci Pitts; Anna Strohm, Chris and Susan Strohm; Bethany Sykes, Kermit and Dyanne Sykes; Mary Tune, Cynthia Tune and Dennis Tune; Hollan Van Horn, David and Karen Van Horn; Emily Webb, Tim and Cindy Webb; and Hannah Weber, Barbara Lovin and Philip Weber.
- Cyd KingFanny Long, Elise Mitchell, Theresa Fender, Leslie Franklin and Karen Van Horn PHOTOS BY CYD KING
Northwest Profile, Pages 40 on 12/20/2009