CLOTHED IN HOPE

Night of Awareness shines light on AIDS Foundation

HIV/AIDS is not just a gay person's disease.

"It is a disease [affecting] people," said S'cie Ward, a designer whose apparel was trotted out before an appreciative audience during A Night of Awareness, a fundraiser for the Arkansas AIDS Foundation.

The event, which took place Jan. 24 at the Argenta Community Theater in North Little Rock, kicked off with a wine and cheese reception while guitarist Calvin Glass provided music.

Deedra Wilson, morning co-anchor for KLRT-TV, Channel 16 and master of ceremonies, welcomed the crowd to the show, sharing information about the foundation. Ward opened with her line, enhanced by jewelry from Glenda Hale of Key Mountain Designs and models' makeup by Aaron Perkins of Face Your Day Studios. Other designers and stores represented were Bruce Davis of 22nd Element; Cecelia Rosa of Ivy Rose; men's chain clothier Jos. A. Bank; Sammi Bivens of jewelry line Tainted Rose; Jonathan Lawrence and west Little Rock's RK Collections, Crystal Perkins and Faithful Chics Boutique; and Timothy Camper and his T. Camp Collections. Several designers shared comments about their lines.

Mike Beaty, founder of the Model and Talent Expo Presented by Mike Beaty, was the event's special guest. He waxed preacherlike as he told about his upbringing on a ranch, his unlikely rise as an international fashion model who did a world tour with Twiggy for Vogue magazine, his Christian faith and his comeback from a malignant tumor that doctors thought might take his leg.

"I have a partner with me everywhere I go," he said. "I give him the glory."

Two awards were presented. David Tucker, former foundation president, was given a humanitarian award in absentia by Portia Knowlton, executive director of the foundation. Beaty was presented an award by Knowlton and the foundation's public relations specialist, Jerrell Hardnett.

Serving six counties, the foundation provides services to those with HIV/AIDS and promotes education, intervention, prevention and testing.

-- Story and photos by Helaine R. Williams

High Profile on 02/01/2015

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