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Shopping For a Cause

As the UAMS WPRCI Partners Card Program celebrates its 15th anniversary, Honorary Chairman Beth Jackson reflects on its history and success in Central Arkansas.

By Rebekah Hall | Photography by Meredith Melody | Makeup by Tom Crone with Barbara Jean | Wardrobe from Barbara Jean

   This year marks the 15th anniversary of the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Auxiliary Partners Card fundraiser program. Honorary Chairmen Beth Jackson and Julie Fulgram introduced the program in Central Arkansas. The program’s continued success is a testament to the WPRCI Auxiliary’s dedication to patients and families of the cancer institute.

   Beth Jackson discovered the Partners Card fundraiser in Dallas, while she and Julie were serving in leadership roles for the WPRCI Auxiliary. They both have daughters who live in Dallas, and had driven down to shop the Partners Card week there, with proceeds benefiting Family Place. At the time, the WPRCI Auxiliary was exploring new ideas to generate support for the institute’s mission work. They decided to bring the Partners Card program to Little Rock. They purchased a copy of the “how to” manual of the Dallas PC group, and in the fall of 2004, they kicked off the first Partners Card week.

   “The success of Partners Card is a great source of pride to both Julie and me,” Beth notes. “We delight in the wonderful projects it has provided, the thousands of people who have saved money on their shopping experiences, and the excitement shown by the merchants from the high sales volume and new customers!”

   The Partners Card can be purchased for $50, and 100% of each $50 card supports the WPRCI Auxiliary and projects it administers for cancer patients and their caregivers. Participating Partners Card merchants then offer a 20% discount to cardholders from October 26 – November 4, 2018.

   Susan Jones, WPRCI Assistant Director of Volunteer Services and Auxiliary, says the Partners Card program benefits all involved. “If you shop with the card, it’s a win-win-win situation. You receive a generous discount at participating stores, the merchants receive your business, then the institute receives the donations – and it all comes back around for the next year.”

   Beth explains that the Partners Card program resonates with the community because of how many families and lives have been affected by cancer. “I became interested in serving patients and their caregivers when I went through that process with my mom,” she explains. “It’s hard to find anyone whose life hasn’t been touched by cancer.” Beth emphasizes that every $50 card purchase makes a difference and gives you the opportunity to shop for a great cause. “The card benefits you, your community, and a person in need, all at the same time,” she says.

Inviting Arkansas

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