By Kim Meyer-Webb | Photography by DERO SANFORD | Hair & Makeup by SUZY BENDER with SERENITY SALON | Dress from UNVEILED BRIDAL COLLECTION | Jewelry from SISSY’S LOG CABIN | Shot on Location at the LITTLE ROCK ZOO Carousel – celebrating 100 years
Tammie fondly remembers her first encounter with Mark Davis; it was a conversation during a church youth group trip. “I’m pretty sure I was smitten right away.” After more than 30 years of marriage, Tammie and Mark continue a love affair that endures. Our time together at the Little Rock Zoo was a prelude to an evening of magical delights as the couple welcomes friends and patrons to the Heart Ball later this month.
Tammie and Mark believe family + faith is paramount. Their commitment to both is unwavering and blends seamlessly into community service, which is a family affair. Tammie elaborates, “We feel blessed to have grown up here; we care for the health and well-being of those around us.” This pragmatic banker credits her career for cultivating her civic leadership. “It’s a huge bonus of working in this industry and at Cadence Bank. The encouragement I receive to get involved with nonprofit organizations strengthens the communities we serve.” Her tenure with Junior League of Little Rock provided ample training. “I loved the order and structure of the league. It gave me a great education on how to be the best volunteer.” Mark adds, “It is important for our children to carry on our family tradition of giving back to our community and making Arkansas a better place to live. We were blessed to have parents in our lives, Gary Davis, Rick Fleetwood, Kay and Fred Irvin, James and Wilma Schoenrock, who showed us and taught us how to make a difference. We are so thankful to see our children carrying this torch forward.” At Lexicon, he is an integral part of building a better tomorrow one project at a time.
Their son and daughter join them in the Heart Ball planning process as committee members. “Abigail introduced us to the American Heart Association through her involvement with the Sweethearts program. She shared stories about life-saving techniques and ways we could develop better habits in our family to make us healthier.” Each year, the Central Arkansas Heart Ball generates support for advocacy platforms that improve the welfare of all Arkansans. In schools across the state, this translates into CPR training for high school students and automatic external defibrillators (AED) in schools.
This year’s Heart Ball, The Greatest Gift, reflects the organization’s continued support of research and education that saves lives in communities across the state. Tammie reflects, “The greatest gift is longer, healthier lives to be able to fully enjoy more quality time with those we love.” Like too many Arkansans, Mark lost a parent to cardiovascular disease. Mark elaborates, “We loved having him in our lives and we felt robbed when we lost him way too early. If our efforts can perhaps make a small difference towards extending the lives of all our loved ones, it is certainly worth our time.”
As the American Heart Association celebrates a century of service, the organization continues to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. In Central Arkansas, this translates into ardent ambassadors – like the Davis family – who recognize the local impact. Making wellness education and opportunities available is a critical component at the heart of the AHA mission. Tammie reflects, “A thriving community includes access to health care for everyone. It has been one of the greatest joys in my life to share my time and energy to help improve and make a difference in a community that has been such a blessing to our family.”
