By Kim Meyer-Webb | Photography by Sarah Oden | Hair & Makeup by Suzy Balkman with Bristle + Balm | Wardrobe from Barbara Jean
Established in 1955 by parents desperate to help children live longer, healthier lives – the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation supports research and medical developments that mitigate the disease. As a result, the life expectancy of patients has increased dramatically and innovative treatments continue to inspire hope for a cure. Lauren Frederick enthusiastically embraces this vision and believes the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Arkansas Chapter can be a catalyst for a cure. Last year, as a Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Taste of the Finest honoree, Lauren received the Todd Miles Award – recognizing her as the top fundraiser + honoring the memory of Todd Miles, who lost his battle with cystic fibrosis at 40 years old. This fall, she will join friends and patrons for the reimagined Finest Gala Toast to 2021. This virtual event will celebrate the 2020 Taste of the Finest honorees as well as Breath of Life Award Recipient Annie Norris. With plans to showcase these individuals again in 2021, the inaugural Finest Gala combines the festive atmosphere of Taste of the Finest with the elegance of Breath of Life for an evening that highlights the mission fulfillment work of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Lauren believes that business and civic leadership should be, and can be, “very rewarding.” The Magnolia native moved to Little Rock to pursue a career in commercial real estate. At Haybar Real Estate, Lauren is building a brighter community – helping businesses establish a brick & mortar presence and integrate into the marketplace. She also serves on the City of Little Rock Historic District Commission which encourages preservation and restoration of homes + sites. “Central Arkansas is becoming a very cool place to live. It’s thrilling to play a small part in bringing a new business here and helping existing businesses expand. It’s our people and neighborhoods that fuel this trend.”
Throughout her childhood in Magnolia, Lauren recalls her family’s values – honesty, integrity and respect – as a strong influence. She remembers participating in the Youth Advisory Council during high school. “The Columbia County Foundation recognized the value of young people’s concern for the wellness of others in our community and offered opportunities for us to invest our time and resources.” This impressed the importance of civic leadership – and the welfare of all Arkansans – that Lauren continues as a young professional.
Lauren’s camaraderie, combined with her self-described “driven” attitude, create a perspective that is equal parts pragmatic + optimistic. Lauren admits, “I love knowing people and meeting new people who are focused on personal success and the success of our community.” This is certainly reflected in her commitment to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Arkansas Chapter Development Director Bethany Howell elaborates, “It’s one of the best stories in medicine today. Because of the foundation, people with cystic fibrosis are living into adulthood. It’s a result of individual donors and corporate sponsors – there is no federal funding. Taste of the Finest honorees, like Lauren, share an enthusiasm that’s exciting and makes more treatment options possible. Together, we can make CF stand for CURE FOUND.” Lauren adds, “Hope keeps me going. I have hope that one day we will live in a world without CF.”
Taste of the Finest Honorees
Sarah Fortner, Beren Gould, Laura Lee, Adam Fry, Catherine Sims, Noressa Kennedy Hinkler, Dana Szymkowicz, Lauren Grinder, Brandon Hansberry, Parker Marshall, Katie Beck, Jake Baker, Matthew Boch, Jacob Campbell, Crystal DeSellems, Jeff Elliott, Nicole Gillum, Hannah Howe, Joyti Lal, Jaime Land, Mallory Lester, Skye Martin, Maradyth McKenzie, Rebecca Minner, Steven Reynolds, Brittany Snyman, Janai Taylor Harris, Gerald Thomas, Brooke Woodward
Breath of Life Award Recipient, Annie Norris
