Serving the community for nearly two decades, Inviting Arkansas continues to recognize philanthropic + civic leadership in Central Arkansas. As we begin this new decade, we have some buried treasures to share from the archives. These are just a few illustrious covers that reflect the continued mission fulfillment work in our community. Enjoy the memories, read about a few of the Capital City’s beloved foundations and remember to vote for your favorite cover – one of these nonprofit organizations will win a complimentary ad in the magazine. The contest will close on May 31st… #MakingPhilanthropyFUN
Christy & William Clark for St. Vincent Health Foundation – April 2010 Issue
By Jillian Duke | Photography by Bob Ocken | Hair by Lindy Bass with Raspberries | Makeup by Lindsey Carpenter with Glo | Wardrobe from Kristen Chase and Mr. Wicks
As parents of three children, Christy and William Clark know the importance of having a quality place to receive medical attention. As a tight-knit family they do many things together, but they have never been the leaders of a major fundraiser. This year, they’re reversing that trend. Health and getting back on the top reasons the couple is co-chairing this year’s IV Party to benefit St. Vincent Health Foundation.
“I go to the hospital and see patients wheeled in and wheeled out, and I’ve been a patient myself,” says Christy. “It’s rewarding being in the hospital and knowing that through volunteer work, we’re helping people.”
Giving back is a natural for William. He was born at St. Vincent’s and has called Little Rock home ever since. His father, Bill Clark, was on “every board,” including St. Vincent’s, explains William.
This fundraiser is Christy’s first involvement with St. Vincent’s, but William has been volunteering for the organization since the late 1990s when he was asked to assist with Project Guardian Angel. He began serving on the foundation board about 10 years ago, and the couple has supported the IV party since it began four years ago. As a self described laid-back family most comfortable in there secluded home, it’s their kind of party. “It’s just a fun event and not your typical black tie event,” William says.
Event consultant Todd Bagwell says the IV party is still the “hippest, trendiest party around Little rock in the perfect choice for those wanting to plan a night out on the town.” He notes, “Since IV is always an evening about being out on the town, you can define the evening dress code as Los Angeles but in Santa Barbara for the weekend, Manhattan but in South Hampton or on Cape Cod for the month of August.”
The event to be held May 1 at Pleasant Valley Country Club is inspired by the IVY Restaurant in Beverly Hills, Bagwell says. “It is a hotspot for celebrities, social lights in the tourists who want to see the likes of Drew Barrymore, Leonardo DiCaprio and Betsy Bloomingdale. The IVY Restaurant, the IVY League, the IVY clad classically columned private club have all defined an evening intended to change one’s attitude about just how cool it is to be a member of the club. As always, the IV Party will be lounge-y, nightclub evening. With its solid reputation for hot dance music and delicious snack-y style hors d’oeuvres, it is the night most Little Rock trendsetters always come to see and be seen.”
Aside from the fine, IV Party helps St. Vincent’s do its job. “This event helps St. Vincent’s provide quality care and gives them the resources to make improvements,” says Christy. William notes, “We all have to help by providing philanthropic support.” The mission of St. Vincent Foundation is to further the work of St. Vincent’s Health System by seeking, receiving and managing current and deferred charitable gifts; by raising awareness of St. Vincent in the community; and by providing donors with the upmost care, respect and confidentiality.
