Arkansas County Night of Hope Hosts Celebrity Waiter Dinner and Silent Auction

Cancer. It’s real and it affects people across the world. It is the one word no one wants to hear when they see their physicians. Once it’s said, the lives of those diagnosed rapidly changes and a new way of living is something that isn’t always easy.

Arkansas County residents know of at least five to ten people who have been diagnosed with cancer. However, they may not know of the hundreds who have been fighting cancer, or the many who have lost their battle against cancer. Chances are, they know of at least one or two people who have been blessed to “Ring the Bell”, signifying they have beat cancer’s butt!

For four years, a group of local women have been making a difference in cancer patients’ lives. Hosting an annual Celebrity Waiter Dinner and Silent Auction, the Arkansas County Night of Hope has raised over $21,000 for cancer patients. During the first two years of the event, the women partnered with the American Cancer Society, but in 2019 the group felt it was time to ensure that Arkansas County cancer patients received help during their battles against cancer.

The cost of medical bills, travel, lodging, food, etc. builds up quickly once a patient has been diagnosed and with the monetary donations to the patients, the ARCO Night of Hope group helps ease those burdens, one card and one check at a time.

The 2020 Celebrity Waiter Dinner and Silent Auction, which was held on Saturday, March 7, 2020 in the Community Room at PCCUA-DeWitt’s campus, was yet another successful event, allowing the group to raise over $4,000. With approximately 125 people present, tribute was paid to those who have lost their fight, honor was paid to those who have won their battle, and prayers were said for those currently battling.

Upon arriving to the event, guests were seated at one of the many themed tables and then they made their way down the hall to place their bids on more than seventy silent auction items. Each table was decorated in different themes and some of the guests chose to walk around the room to see the different themes that made the community room come to life. Table sponsors were: Penny Merritt-Sandlot, Ashlynne Jenkins-Farm Country, Hailey Jenkins-Wine Country, Charlotte Purdy-Easter, Charlotte Purdy-Patriotic, Ashley Rhodes-Under the Sea, Chantel Poor-Peanut’s Gang, Beth Vansandt-100 Acre Woods, Bill Shrum-St. Patrick’s, Mallory Sweetin-Mickey Mouse, and Passionate Paws-Paws for a Cause.

Prior to dinner being served, President Penny Merritt welcomed everyone and then asked that everyone stand for a moment of silence for those who were no longer with us. Kevin Gantt then led those in attendance in prayer and Chandler Merritt led the Pledge of Allegiance. Guests then enjoyed a Mexican style dinner of tacos, Spanish rice and refried beans prepared by Teresa Griffie and Donna Barnett, and dessert prepared by Debbie Worring.

Following dinner, Guest Speaker Carolyn Turner gave a brief speech on her daughter, Jennifer, who passed away from cancer in 2019. Jennifer was the Assistant Principal of the Solar Preparatory School for Girls located on Henderson Avenue in Dallas, Texas. The school helps girls focus on science technology, arts, engineering and math. Prior to the start of the Solar Prep school, Jennifer lived in Costa Rica where she taught English in a public school located in the small, rural town of Potrero Grande. That was where she found her passion in life-teaching.

Following Turners speech, the winner of the “The Hideout” raffle was drawn, and winners of the silent auction were announced. Katlin Houge was shocked when her name was called out as the winner of the weekend getaway!

The 2020 ARCO Night of Hope Celebrity Waiter Dinner and Silent Auction would not have been the success it was without the generosity of local businesses, community members, and the ARCO Night of Hope Committee. If you know of someone who has been diagnosed with cancer, please contact Penny Merritt at (870) 830-3005 or Charlotte Purdy at (870) 509-1575.