Dr. Grace Raja is skilled at many things – medical oncology, philanthropy, family fun and dancing, among them. Her enthusiasm for electronic dance music (EDM) spills into her work with the CARTI Foundation Board of Directors and the second annual CARTI Salute! fundraiser. “I like ‘chill’ EDM like the band Low Tide,” Dr. Raja shares. “I think that’s why I like Salute!, too. It’s a relaxed, light event that’s a little different than other fundraisers, and it’s a great way to celebrate spring and introduce the community to
our center.”
CARTI Salute! includes a curated selection of wines from France, Italy, Portugal and Spain provided by Colonial Wine & Spirits. Guests may also sample authentic small plates prepared by local celebrity chefs including 42 Bar and Table, Cache, Cheers, Kemuri, Oceans at Arthur’s, Oyster Bar, Petit & Keet, Samantha’s Tap Room & Wood Grill, Scallions, The Hope Bistro and Zaza Fine Salad + Wood-Oven Pizza Co. Proceeds benefit CARTI’s patient support services, now available through The Bridge – its an on-site center with programming designed to ease the burden of those facing cancer. Offerings include support groups, healing arts, yoga, pastoral care and more as CARTI joins each family’s cancer journeys.
Building on the success of the inaugural event, guests can expect the same attention to detail + excellence that the center provides to patients. “CARTI Salute! is a unique and casual way for the community to engage with our mission and uplift those facing cancer,” explains CARTI President & CEO Adam Head. “CARTI is a place of hope and healing.Holding this event here is a natural fit. We appreciate the community’s continued support in helping meet the goal of no one going without access to treatment.”
As a Salute! committee member and a member of the CARTI Foundation Board of Directors – Dr. Raja sees how the team at CARTI, volunteers, patrons and community partners selflessly provide time, money, connections and talent. Since Dr. Raja joined CARTI in 2016, she has experienced the level of dignity + respect that patients receive and the accessibility to care that is paramount to the
CARTI mission.
“While I work with patients in Conway and Little Rock, CARTI treats patients and their loved ones in 18 locations throughout Arkansas,” she explains. “I see how we work to provide unique ways to reach people where they are, regardless of where they live, their finances or ability to travel. I think that’s why I enjoy Salute! so much. It allows people to enjoy our center both indoors and out, and provides an unexpected way to support the community we share in this beautiful spring season.”