Standing from left: Sarah Reddick, Andrea Berkemeyer, Grace Clements, Tori McDuffie, Ally Marotti, Annemarie Arnold, Ashlynn Robinson
Seated from left: Kevyn Selakovich, Caroline McCarty, Grace Crow, GayLynn Young, Elaine Hart
Standing from left: Reagan Allen, Madeline Phelps, Shelby Shields, Emily Hurst, Logan Burks, Kinsey Schillinger, Camie Jones, Molly Kate Wewers
Seated from left: Abby Ryan, Brooke Wiggins, Ashley Ingram, Annikah Guenther, Mallory Wilcox
Photography by Melisa
Angels of Hope devote their time and energy to the 20th Century Club Lodge, supporting its mission while cultivating a spirit of volunteerism that lasts a lifetime. In addition, these high school juniors offer youthful hope and inspiration to residents of the Lodge – which provides no-cost housing to cancer patients from outside Central Arkansas receiving treatment in Little Rock.
The Angels dedicate nine months to the 20th Century Club, working alongside members serving meals, playing games and visiting with patients. Angels who complete 100 service hours receive the Service Above Self Award at the Hope Ball during the formal Angels of Hope presentation. The award was established by 20th Century Club member Deena Burnett Bailey in memory of her late husband, Tom Burnett, who died a hero Sept. 11, 2011, on United Flight 93.
Lindy Spaulding, this year’s Angels of Hope chair, says, “This incredible group of girls gives so generously of themselves – it has been a rewarding experience for me. Many have far exceeded the required 25 hours of service. Their compassion will have a lasting impact on the lives of our patients at the Lodge and even contribute to their healing.”
Camie Jones dedicated her Angels of Hope service in memory of her friend Mary Ellen Pate, who died last year after a fierce battle with an immune disease. “The Angels of Hope program offered a path to help me heal and help others,” she says. “Each time I visited the Lodge, I could hear Mary Ellen encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone. Hearing many of the patients’ stories really showed me that courage comes in all shapes and sizes.”
Annikah Guenther says she enjoyed the benefits gained from serving others. “I learned not to serve with a physical reward in mind, but with a reward that will last my entire life, accompanied by special memories I will never forget.”
Ashlynn Robinson says she was surprised at the interesting stories from patients. “One inspiring patient I remember told me that the Hope Lodge lifted a huge weight from his shoulders and allowed him to focus on his recovery.”
Grace Crow says she’s come away more hopeful about dealing with cancer after her experience. “Working at the Lodge has helped my understanding that there is always hope in every situation, and I can do something to help no matter how small it may seem.”
