STANDING FOR SOMETHING

To give thanks

Stand Foundation kick off celebration honors all who help the cause

"If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything." So the saying goes.

On Dec. 1, a host of current and former staff members, board members, supporters, volunteers and alumni who stood for something were honored by the Stand Foundation as part of its 10-year Kick Off Celebration. Billed as a chance to thank those who had given of themselves to help the foundation achieve its goals, the event was held at the Maumelle Event Center ... and attracted such a large crowd that a few extra tables had to be set up.

Guests were ushered in to partake of light hors d'oeuvres and libations, pose for photos on the red carpet, listen to music by the Big John Miller Band and vie for silent-auction items. They later munched on heavier fare by Lola Brunson while enjoying a program whose chairman was Tangie Sims and whose masters of ceremonies were Kristin Veasey-Knox and Leonard Smith.

Founder awards went to Kim King Davis, office of the governor; and DeLisa Shaw Johnson, Arkansas Department of Health. Other honorees were Tommy Norman, North Little Rock Police Department; Amy Baldwin, University of Central Arkansas in Conway; Leanna Godley, president and chief executive officer of Goddess Products, Inc.; Jerome Green, president of Shorter College in North Little Rock; Derek Cromwell, the Corporation for National and Community Service; Kareem Moody, Moody Consultants; Dan Moragne, Wal-Mart; Tony Williams, executive director, Arkansas Student Loan Authority; and Stephanie (Phanie) Wicks, professional makeup artist with Beauty By Far. Freeman McKindra, president of the McKindra Development Institute, was presented the lifetime achievement award. Each recipient gave remarks via video and was presented his or her award onstage by foundation creator and former state Sen. Tracy Steele.

The Stand Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides leadership training.

-- Story and photos by Helaine R. Williams

High Profile on 12/10/2017

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