Miracle Ball, the annual black-tie fundraiser for Arkansas Children's Hospital, was held Dec. 13 at Children's Hall. Guests were greeted by hospital Chief Executive Officer Marcy Doderer, husband Mark, and event chairmen Terri and Chuck Erwin as they made their way to a tented cocktail reception and silent auction. Chaired by Neal and Nat Lea, the auction included a vintage Chanel necklace, an eZip scooter in Razorback red and a chandelier by Arkansas glass artist James Hayes.
Children's Hall was elegantly transformed with large crystal chandeliers, drapery, gold-framed mirrors and architectural elements inspired by the Palace of Versailles. Tables covered in gold pintucked cloths were centered with massive centerpieces including gilded figures holding urns filled with cream and blush roses and a variety of other lavish arrangements. Tables were set with gold chargers and gold-rimmed goblets and plates. Guests enjoyed a meal catered by Capers that included wild scallops folded in mushroom Dijon cream, a filet of beef with peppercorns and brandy cream topped with a crab-stuffed prawn, and for dessert a salted dark chocolate mousse with raspberries served in a chocolate box.
During dinner, it took only 20 minutes to raise $83,000 in the Murphy Miracle Match, a signature feature of the Miracle Ball. By the end of the evening, the total was $85,000. Cindy and Chip Murphy matched the first $10,000 raised, with funds going toward technology for the Children's House.
The live auction had 12 items that raised more than $200,000 total -- mostly travel packages including a five-night stay in Paris. The final item, as it has been for years, was an earring and necklace set by Jones and Son Diamond and Bridal Fine Jewelry, modeled by Miss Arkansas Ashton Campbell. This year's set featured 38 carats in diamonds and five carats in emeralds. It sold for $50,000 (traditionally the going rate) to Jerry Langley of Smackover (traditionally the winning bidder).
The live auction chairmen were Cassie and Jason LaFrance.
The evening ended with dancing to music by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Big Band, led by clarinetist Earl Hesse.
The ball, which had sold out in June, netted $550,000 for Arkansas Children's Hospital and is a project of the hospital's Foundation Board and Auxiliary.
High Profile on 12/21/2014