It was controlled chaos at the Statehouse Convention Center the afternoon and evening of Jan. 29 as seasoned patrons of the annual Soup Sunday fundraiser lapped up soup from tiny cups and bid on silent and live auction items. Some 2,000 people attended the 36th event, raising about $160,000 for Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
The mission of Arkansas Advocates "is to ensure that all children and their families have the resources and opportunities to lead healthy and productive lives and to realize their full potential." The group is perhaps best known for establishing ARKids First, Arkansas' state-funded health insurance program for uninsured children. Over the last 20 years, the percentage of uninsured children in Arkansas has fallen from about 25 percent to below 5 percent.
Soup Sunday in Little Rock (there's one in Northwest Arkansas too) has become Arkansas Advocates' main fundraiser and grows every year. This year featured 36 restaurants serving everything from chili and gumbo to shrimp bisque and clam chowder. Bread and desserts were provided by other vendors.
This year's featured chef -- serving from a platform above all the others -- was Chris McMillan of Boulevard Bread Co. As master of ceremonies, KTHV's Craig O'Neill added his sense of hilarity and drove a live auction that raised more than $23,000. The item that brought in the most money was a seven-night stay in a five-bedroom house in Costa Rica that sold twice for $6,200 each time.
One aspect of the affair not to be missed -- the kids' dance party.
High Profile on 02/05/2017