It was wonderland indeed ... Peter Pan, Captain Hook (a male and female version), mermaids (and a merman), a plethora of fancily decorated headgear and a fashion show that brought forth even more costumes honoring Sir J.M. Barrie's most famous literary work.
Such was the surreal, emotion-packed and awe-inspiring event ALS in Wonderland Presents Neverland, "Imagine a World Without ALS." That was the 2016 version of the annual theme fashion show hosted by the ALS in Wonderland Foundation to raise money for Arkansans living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
The evening, which featured the talents of creative director Cody Dunbar, took place May 14 at the Albert Pike Masonic Center in Little Rock. The affair began with a mixer in the center's formal dining room. Guests selected top hats and other head accessories created by the event's team of "mad hatters," shopped the silent-auction items and enjoyed champagne and heavy hors d'oeuvres.
Former NBA player Stephen Howard made his second appearance, joining event founder Lara Blume McGee as co-host of the program, which was held in the auditorium. Dr. Richard Bedlack, noted ALS research specialist with the Duke ALS Clinic in Durham, N.C., shared some upbeat news about treatment of the disease. Special guests also included ALS patient and advocate Anthony Carbajal, whose ALS "Ice Bucket Challenge" video went viral on YouTube.
Carbajal shed a couple of tears -- and elicited them from the audience -- when he shared his story of being diagnosed with the disease, with which his mother and grandmother also suffered. Howard presented him the ALS Warrior Award. McGee came close to shedding a tear or two herself when welcoming guests, noting that this was the first year of the event without her father, who died from ALS complications Aug. 17.
The fashion show featured models carrying signs bearing the names of all PALS, or Person Living with ALS, that ALS in Wonderland has assisted -- including the evening's PALS honoree, Rickie Joe Bauer.
Neverland will result in proceeds of $58,000 once all silent-auction items are paid for, according to McGee.
-- Story and photos by Helaine R. Williams
High Profile on 05/22/2016