April 2022

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SHARE THE LIGHT Photography by BRITNEY LOGAN

Fellow Arkansans – neighbors, colleagues and friends - are sharing a light of peace, kindness and generosity that makes The
Natural State a little brighter. Inviting Arkansas and Methodist Family Health celebrate individuals who illuminate our community
with goodness. Nominate someone today for a future feature that SHINES.

THERE WAS a time in his life that Bill Mann, president of the board of Methodist Children’s Home, Methodist Behavioral Hospital, Methodist
operations at Methodist Family Health, felt his career as a lawyer did not Counseling Clinics and Arkansas CARES (Center for Addictions Research,
really help people. “This is when I began volunteering,” explains Bill. His Education and Services).
wife Karon is also active and engaged in the United Methodist Church as a
member of the board of directors and delegate on the national denomination Methodist Family Health is not the only organization that benefits from
level. She expounds on their faith and how it guides them in civic leadership. the Manns’ generosity. Bill and Karon share their time and resources with
“My Christian faith inspires me to give of my time and money.” Bill adds, a wide variety of humanitarian-devoted groups. “I am originally from
“Jesus said when you feed someone, or take care of them, you also do for Central Arkansas and have always lived here. It is my home and I want to
him. I feel like philanthropy allows me to do this.” The results of Bill’s give back,” Bill explains. The same is true for Karon. The couple is also
professional unrest and their steadfast Christian beliefs continue to improve devoted to Miracle League of Arkansas, Family Promise of Pulaski County,
the lives of fellow Arkansans. Arkansas Food Bank, Family Promise, UAMS Psychiatry Department, Camp
Aldersgate and Arkansas Advocates for Children & Families. The Manns
Bill and Karon select organizations that reflect their family’s values. “I believe these organizations increase the results of their gifts – reaching
am drawn to Methodist Family Health because the work gives children underserved, sometimes overlooked, demographics.
who come from difficult circumstances a chance to have a better life,”
Karon adds, “We believe that supporting and strengthening families builds This philosophy is impressive, but even more touching is the conviction
a stronger community.” The Methodist Family Health mission provides a and nearness that the Manns feel. Bill and Karon are especially passionate
unique portfolio of programs and resources for the children and families about the special needs of children, homelessness, food insecurity and
of Arkansas. “I love their complete dedication to rebuilding lives,” Karon mental healthcare. “Due to our son’s experience with mental illness, mental
states, “They truly fill a gap in Arkansas.” Their consistent commitment healthcare is very important to me,” explains Bill. The family’s genuine desire
to Methodist Family Health has made a significant impact for clients at to really help individuals – which is the actual definition of philanthropy –
makes Bill and Karon exemplary examples of lives devoted to philanthropy.

Sponsored by Methodist Family Health
Nominations accepted at [email protected]
methodistfamily.org | #ShareTheLightandSHINE

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Summer Khairi, Kelly Fleming Kathy Webb, Hunter Sandlin

Roger Marlin, Valerie Erkman Odessa Darrough, Javier Hernandez,
Malicat Chouyouti

HABITAT FOR
HUMANITY DEDICATION

CELEBRATION

Sponsored by First Service Bank, Habitat Daryl Walker, Randy Jumper
for Humanity of Central Arkansas hosted a
dedication celebration for the completion
of a home built specifically for a veteran.
The bank established Operation Red,
White & Brave – a fundraising campaign
for customers and clients - last year. The
campaign efforts generated funding for the
Habitat for Humanity home. Veteran Daryl
Walker worked with Habitat for Humanity
staff, sub-contractors and volunteers to
complete the home he purchased.

Don’t see your photo?
Visit www.invitingarkansas.com/events

Habitat for Humanity Home Dedication

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Presenting the 2022
Central Arkansas Sweethearts

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

Congratulations Congratulations

TAYLOR LEA KATHERINE WHITE

Taylor, You will always be our sweetheart! Congratulations Katherine! Your smile and joyful
We are proud of the time and dedication that spirit are a blessing to everyone you meet.
you have given to the AHA Sweetheart Program. We are so proud of you.
We cannot wait to see what your future holds.
Love,
Love, Mom & Dad
Mom, Dad & Lucy
Photography by Photography by Melisa
Photography by Photography by Melisa

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Congratulations

MADDIE CONSIDINE AUDREY GARDNER SARAH HAMPSON

MADDIE KAEMMERLING CAMILLE OWENS CAROLINE SCURLOCK

We are so proud of your commitment to the
Sweetheart Program. Your futures shine bright!

With lots of love from your parents.

ALEXA SHEMPER Photography by Photography by Melisa

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2022 SWEETHEARTS

Story by American Heart Association
Photography by Photography by Melisa
Shot on location at the Presidential - Legacy of Life Center

Lily Wooderson, Emma Price, Sophie Eble, Elizabeth McGibbony, Abigail Henderson, Sophia Peacock

CENTRAL ARKANSAS SWEETHEARTS CONTINUE A LEGACY OF FUNDRAISING & VOLUNTEERISM

Potential Central Arkansas Sweethearts should contact Kathy Findley at [email protected]
Year after year, the Central Arkansas Sweethearts build on the hard work and perseverance of their predecessors, raising much-needed

funds and awareness for the American Heart Association - a global force for longer, healthier lives. The class of 2022 was no exception.
Leading up to the Central Arkansas Heart Ball on April 2, the Sweethearts raised nearly $20,000 for education and research with

a shared focus on cardiovascular health. In addition to raising funds, each Sweetheart is required to complete 20 hours of training,
volunteering and advocating on behalf of the AHA.

The Sweetheart Program was established in 1998 by Eileen and Dr. Ricardo Sotomora, a pediatric cardiologist for Baptist Health. The
couple’s daughter, Charlotte “Charli” Sotomora, participated in the Sweetheart Program.

“I am incredibly proud of this year’s class of Sweethearts,” said Kathy Findley, senior director of development for the AHA in Central
Arkansas. As the conclusion to the fundraising and awareness campaign, the Sweethearts are presented at the Heart Ball. “I am proud
of their intentional efforts to be youth ambassadors for the American Heart Association and positive role models in the Central Arkansas
community.”

Sweethearts are a diverse group of sophomore-age girls from Central Arkansas schools. This year’s class of 55 girls kicked off their year
of service with an August 19th welcome reception at Robinson Center and followed with a retreat at Camp Nixon on August 28th. They
studied the organization’s mission and values and were trained in how to be youth ambassadors for the 98-year-old nonprofit organization.

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Camille Owens, Caroline Scurlock, Audrey Gardner, Madeline Kaemmerling, Alexa Shemper, Madelyn Considine

Isabelle Bailey, Lilly Stephens, Hailey Porcelli, Taylor Lea, Rachel Riley

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Congratulations Congratulations

JETT LASITER SAVANNAH BOSLEY

Jett, We are so proud of Congratulations
you and your generous Savannah! We are so
spirit in giving back to the proud of your dedication
and hard work to the
Sweetheart Program. Sweetheart Program. We
You are a bright light and love your enthusiasm for
life and your giving spirit!
joy in everyday. Your
grace, strength, work Love,
ethic, and fierce passion Mom and Dad
for life is unforgettable.
Photography by Photography by Melisa
We love you,
Mom and Mac

Photography by Photography by Melisa

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Congratulations Congratulations

ARDEN KATHRYN AVA MASINGILL
ROBINSON

Arden, we are so proud You make us proud every
of your dedication to single day. Keep sharing
the AHA Sweetheart your light and laughter
Program. Your passion with those around you.
for volunteerism and
philanthropy demonstrates Congratulations on
your compassion and your year as an
AHA Sweetheart!
giving heart.
We love you very much,
We love you, Mom, Dad and Mia
Mom, Dad & Greer
Photography by Photography by Melisa
Photography by Photography by Melisa
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2022 SWEETHEARTS

Story by American Heart Association
Photography by Photography by Melisa
Shot on location at the Presidential - Legacy of Life Center

Elena Coleman, Kennedy Stotts, Kampbell Davis, Belle McKelvey, Kaitlyn Biddle
In September, they gathered for a movie night and watched Something the Lord Made, a 2004 made-for-television biographical drama

about the late cardiac pioneer Vivien Thomas and late surgeon Alfred Blalock, who together established modern heart surgery. Later in
the month, the group took a heart-healthy walk to the Arkansas State Capitol and heard from an AHA advocate.
They took a virtual tour of the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Catheterization Lab October 5, met a young heart transplant recipient and
visited with parents of a baby who was about to have heart surgery. Also in October, Sweethearts learned about heart-healthy eating from
a registered dietitian who taught them how small changes to their eating habits could lead to a healthier lifestyle. The month ended with a
mother-daughter brunch and fashion show featuring designer Charli Sotomora. This former Central Arkansas Sweetheart was just back to
Arkansas from showing her collection during New York Fashion Week.
On November 11, the Sweetheart dads had their turn, attending a father-daughter barbecue with their girls.
To round out their training after the holidays, Sweethearts attended CPR training at Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services and joined
a virtual call with University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Professor Kevin D. Phelan, who showed the girls the anatomy of the heart
through a live ultrasound and 3D reconstruction of CT scans.
Prior to the Sweethearts’ formal introduction at the Heart Ball, they were presented Sweetheart necklaces provided by Sissy’s Log Cabin
on March 16.
When the pandemic was raging last fall, the Sweethearts wrote thank you notes to front-line workers and dropped off baked goods to
providers at pharmacies, nursing homes, hospitals and MEMS. In the spring, they had the opportunity to volunteer in person at UAMS,
CHI St. Vincent and Baptist Health.

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Catherine Raffaelli, Olivia Hopkins, Riley Benedetti, Elaine Barg, Emmy McLeod, Ashley Adams, Whitney Stewart

Katelyn Lane, Elizabeth Fason, Sydnie Washington, Emily Harton, Charlotte Lasiter, Aubree McCullough, Katherine White
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Emma Carrie Smith, Jordyn Eichler, Savannah Bosley, Carley Cosse’, Rebecca Burnett
Eliza Jane Null, Haven McCormack, Ashley Kassissieh, Isabella McConnell, Ava Sims, Kathryn Bailey
70 | NA PoRt IpL ic2t0u2re2 d| :inAvvitaingBarrakvanos,asC.caormoline Conner, Elizabeth Grobmyer, Sarah Hampson, Ava Masingill, Arden Robinson, Claire Wallace, Ashton Wilibanks

Congratulations Congratulations

SOPHIE PEACOCK EMMY McLEOD

Sophie, your smile lights up a room and your heart is going to You constantly amaze us with your beauty
change the world. We are so proud of who you are and look inside and out. We are so proud of you, and the
forward to seeing all the amazing things you accomplish in
the future. You have been so dedicated to the Sweetheart thoughtfulness in everything you do.
Program and we are excited to honor your hard work!
We love you,
With Love, Mom and Dad
Your Family
Photography by Photography by Melisa
Photography by Photography by Melisa

Congratulations Congratulations

JORDYN EICHLER KAITLYN BIDDLE

Jordyn, we are so proud of you and We are proud of you. Congratulations on your
your service to the Sweetheart Program. many hours of volunteer service and dedication
“Service to others leads to greatness.” - Jim Rohn
to the American Heart Association.
Love,
Mom and Dad Love,
Mommy, Daddy,
Photography by Photography by Melisa Marla and Grandma

Photography by Photography by Melisa

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Congratulations Congratulations Congratulations

ISABELLA LIBBY FASON EMILY HARTON
McCONNELL

Isabella, we are Photography by Photography by MelisaCongratulations Well done, Emily! We are so proud of you and your
so proud of the Photography by Photography by MelisaLibby! We are so proudaccomplishments with the Sweetheart Program.
young woman
you are becoming. of your hard work Your kind and generous heart is loved by so many.
Your hardwork and & dedication to the
dedication to the Sweetheart Program. Love,
Sweetheart Program Mom, Dad, Adeline, and John
has been admirable! Your giving heart
brings joy to everyone Photography by Photography by Melisa
Love,
Mom, Dad, around you.
Sophia and Lucas
Love,
Mom, Ben,
Conner, Carson
and Maddie Grace

Congratulations Congratulations

HAVEN MCCORMACK CAROLINE SCURLOCK

Haven Blu - You are our beautiful, miracle Caroline, we are proud of your service,
girl and we are so thankful God blessed us dedication and commitment. Congratulations

with you! We are so proud of you! to you and all the Sweethearts!

We love you, Love,
Mom, Dad, & Eden Mom & Dad

Photography by Photography by Melisa Photography by Photography by Melisa

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20TH CENTURY CLUB
SUSTAINERS LUNCHEON

President Cindy McNeely and other
current members of the board of directors
welcomed sustaining members of the 20th
Century Club to the Arkansas Governors
Mansion for an afternoon filled with good
food and great friendships. The 20th
Century Club provides no-cost temporary
lodging to cancer patients receiving
chemotherapy and radiation treatment at
medical facilities in Central Arkansas.

Don’t see your photo? Becky Marks, Emily Young Kristi Kennedy, Lisa Wright, Susan Hutchinson Beth Ingram, Elizabeth Clogston
Visit www.invitingarkansas.com/events

Cindy McNeely, Sammie Dunkum

Julie Clements, Annette Hawkins

Kim Cherry, René Star

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