By Kim Meyer-Webb | Photography by Sarah Oden | Hair by Thunder Crump with Face Your Day Salon | Makeup by Haydon Howard with Face Your Day Salon | Jewelry from Jones and Son Diamond & Fine Jewelry | Flowers by Silks A Bloom | Sofa from Hank’s Event Rentals | Shot on location at The Grandeur House
Flowers have made meaningful appearances throughout history in mythology, poetry and pop culture – delivering joy with every encounter. Former First Lady Claudia “Lady Bird” Johnson captured the essence of this natural beauty noting, “Where flowers bloom so does hope.” The Hope Ball celebrates the resilient spirit of the 20th Century Club Lodge residents and the heartfelt commitment of the Angels of Hope. This year, 20th Century Club President Kate Dalton will welcome guests to an evening of floral festivities that are guaranteed to dazzle and delight.
Kate credits her parents and their compassionate nature for her civic leadership. “They taught me the value of hard work, close friendships and giving of my time. People are important to our family.” When she and her husband Carter moved to Little Rock in 1998, Kate recognized the Junior League of Little Rock as a resource for establishing roots in Central Arkansas and continuing her family’s legacy of altruism. “Junior League is where I learned the strength of women working together for a purpose.”
When a friend invited her to a 20th Century Club meeting, the devotion of this 300+ strong membership immediately resonated with Kate. “I love the women who tirelessly pour themselves into serving people who are battling for their life. I love serving dinners and eating together with the patients as an extended family bonded together through that battle against cancer.”
For more than 25 years, the 20th Century Club has helped families through their cancer journey – providing “hope away from home” at the lodge. The organization was established to promote the war effort and assist the Red Cross with necessary volunteers. As cancer-related diagnoses + research increased and Central Arkansas became renowned for its state-of-the-art cancer treatment facilities, the club evolved to meet the needs of the community. The 20th Century Club Lodge opened in April 2011 to accommodate more patients and their families in a modern, efficient facility. The no-cost housing is available to patients receiving cancer treatment at area medical centers. The 20th Century Club members and the Angels of Hope offer camaraderie + fellowship in addition to the necessary amenities.
The highlight of the gala is the formal presentation of the Angels of Hope. Celebrating a decade of community service, the program fosters civic leadership and a spirit of volunteerism among high school juniors. Program activities at the lodge include sharing meals, playing games and visiting with cancer patients. Silks A Bloom Owner Dale Aldridge will be honored with the Hope Award and club member Martha Ellen Talbot will be recognized with the Distinguished Service Award. Proceeds support the operating costs of the lodge and the organization’s sustainability.
Kate believes the shared humility of the 20th Century Club members and the lodge residents is something truly special and accessible. Her faith is a reminder that “helping others in whatever small way we can makes our community stronger and healthier.” She encourages friends to join the fun – adding, “I am proud to be one of the many who support the lodge and the cancer patients who call it home while they are being treated and healed. I treasure the moments when a cancer patient can ring the 20th Century Club bell as they leave the lodge cancer-free, having won their battle. Those are the moments when tears, not words, usually express our joy and gratitude for the lodge.”
