August 19, 2021, Little Rock, AR
In response to the escalating COVID-19 situation in Arkansas, the much-anticipated celebration to honor this year’s Arkansan of the Year, Rick Fleetwood, will be postponed to February 2, 2022.
This decision, taken with everyone’s safety in mind, mirrors Easterseals Arkansas’s proactive stance in battling the pandemic, as evidenced by its policy that mandates COVID-19 vaccination for all its employees and volunteers by September 30 (with exemptions for medical and religious reasons).
Meet the Honoree
Rick Fleetwood, renowned for his philanthropy and undying support for Easterseals, is the personality gracing the honoree title this year.
A man deeply invested in enriching the lives of fellow Arkansans, Fleetwood truly embodies the spirit of the award. This is the same sentiment echoed by his close acquaintances saying that he is the epitome of what it means to be Arkansan of the Year. Past honorees of the said award include key business leaders, governors, and other high-profile individuals.
A Wait for the Grand Celebration
Brimming with anticipation, the organizing committee had initially planned a vibrant in-person gala for this event, envisioning an evening of camaraderie complemented by a live auction.
“Our goal is to have the event in person and in the safest environment possible,” shared Tiffany Robinson, the event chairwoman and owner of Barbara/Jean.
Echoing her thoughts, committee member Ellon Cockrill emphasized the joy Rick Fleetwood finds in social gatherings, underscoring the need for a celebratory event that brings everyone together.
As the Vice President of Development and Communication at Easterseals Arkansas, Mac Bell, highlighted, the postponement, though challenging, is a necessary move aimed at safeguarding everyone’s health while awaiting broader vaccine distribution and approval.
Coming Soon: An Exciting Online Auction
Despite the delay in the in-person gala, the organization is set to kick off a vibrant online auction this September. Among the hot tickets is a VIP-style viewing party for the exhilarating Razorback vs. Aggies game scheduled for September 25 at the Cowboy Stadium in Dallas. The bidding opens on September 1.
Stay tuned for more details on the forthcoming celebrations and auction updates on the Easterseals Arkansas website.
About Easterseals Arkansas
For over 75 years, Easterseals Arkansas has stood as a pillar of support, offering unparalleled services to people with disabilities and special needs. They envision a community where everyone enjoys equal opportunities to live, learn, work, and play. Learn more about their mission and contributions on their official website.
Media Contacts
Jillian Jacuzzi: jjacuzzi@eastersealsar.com
Mac Bell: mbell@eastersealsar.com
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