It wasn't a half-bad "first adult fundraiser" hosted by the Greater Little Rock Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Inc.
Intriguingly dubbed the Pink Lipstick & Blue Bow Tie Affair, the event -- whose name reflects the official colors of the organization -- was, in fact, quite the treat for the end of a rain-soaked week. It took place Feb. 23 at the Victorian-era mansion that houses the exclusive 1836 Club.
Granted, there was a lot of pink and blue. There was also plenty of black, worn by Jack and Jill members and event volunteers as well as guests.
Those who were unable to park in the club's lot were shuttled in, via limousine, from an overflow parking lot at Cajun's Wharf down the street. Attendees mingled at the downstairs bar and in other first-floor rooms, nooks and crannies, enjoying passed morsels and listening to the sounds of The Rodney Block Collective.
VIP guests ascended to the third floor for a more intimate experience consisting of complimentary wines; cocktails available via the special branded tokens given at check-in; a table full of light hors d'oeuvres and continuous play of oldies-but-goodies. The evening also included a raffle, $10 per chance for a Louis Vuitton handbag.
A short program led by Cassandra Steele featured remarks by chapter president Ashia Muhammad, who explained that the chapter's activities usually revolve around children. Proceeds for the evening, she explained, benefit the national Jack and Jill Foundation and local community partners -- Arkansas Commitment, Sickle Cell Support Services and C. Michael Tidwell's Centre for the DansArts.
Jack and Jill of America Inc. is an organization made up of mothers "dedicated to nurturing future African-American leaders by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty."
-- Story and photos by Helaine R. Williams
High Profile on 03/04/2018