BREATH OF LIFE GALA
Cystic fibrosis gala raises $55,000 for disease fight
— Samantha Friedman
The Arkansas chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation raised $55,000 at its inaugural Breath of Life Gala, held Sept. 27 at the Doubletree Hotel. “We were celebrating a year of many accomplishments, including research milestones, the opening of a cystic fibrosis clinic in Northwest Arkansas and the beginning of the Arkansas Newborn Screening Program in June, and we were also celebrating a year of remarkable fundraising,” said executive director Jennifer Maune after the event. “We’ve seen a 72 percent increase in funds raised over last year.” The organization plans to hold the Breath of Life Gala annually, she said. Master of ceremonies Tom Brannon of Today’s THV on KTHV-TV, Channel 11, presented the Breath of Life Award to Larry Choate, chief executive officer of Arvest Bank for central Arkansas. “The Breath of Life Award is given to an outstanding person or organization who exhibits exceptional dedication to the fight against cystic fibrosis, who contributes their time and talents to further the research supported by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, who inspires community involvement and who spreads awareness about cystic fibrosis,” Maune said later. “Larry Choate, a compassionate supporter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, exhibits these qualities and has been a true example of what a leader’s role is in the community. “Larry Choate has made a personal investment in the foundation in large part because of his relationship with several friends and employees who have children with cystic fibrosis,” Maune said. Arvest Bank was a sponsor of Great Strides walks in Benton, Little Rock and Bentonville, and employees organized nine walk teams. As presenting sponsor of the gala, Arvest Bank helped raise $36,000 toward the cause. Choate was joined by his wife, Mitzi; brother, Ron Choate of Claremore, Okla.; and sons Scott Choate of Tulsa and Dustin Choate, currently a senior at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Ill. Guests included Barbara and Jim Farnam, Melissa and Brent Morgan, Mimi and Mike Gavigan, Karena and immediate past board president Thomas Wilkins, Angela and Haskell Anderson, Charlotte and Jeremy Ratliff, Dr. Angela and Dr. Rob Barrow, Karen and Claude Fulton, Charlotte and Chip Stacy Jr., Lou Anne and Eric Herget, Diana and Jack Smithson, Cathy and event co-chairman Robb Fiser, Shirley and Burton Stacy, state Rep. Daryl Pace (R-Siloam Springs), state Rep. Steve Harrelson (D-Texarkana), Dr. Paula Anderson, Dr. John Carroll, Dr. Gulnur Com and Dr. Ariel Berlinski. Ron Choate of Claremore, Okla., his brother and honoree Larry and Mitzi Choate, and their sons, Scott of Tulsa and Dustin, a senior at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Ill.
Chip and Charlotte Stacy with executive director Jennifer and Brian Maune
Johnny and Julie Miller, with their children, John and Jordan, advertising a golden retriever puppy for sale in the live auction.
Jim Farnam and his wife, board president Barbara, with Tracey Schmucker and Jeff Utecht
