Chenal Event Venue set the stage for an evening of inspiration and recognition as The Gaines House hosted its 16th Annual Sandra Wilson Cherry Awards Dinner. The October gathering brought together community leaders, supporters, and advocates to honor two pioneering Arkansas judges while raising awareness for the organization’s vital mission of supporting homeless women with disabilities.
This year’s distinguished honorees, The Honorable Joyce Williams Warren, Arkansas’ first Black female judge and first Black person elected to a state-level trial court judgeship, and The Honorable Annabelle Davis Clinton Imber Tuck, the first woman elected to the Arkansas Supreme Court, were celebrated for their groundbreaking achievements and dedication to public service. Dr. Patricia Griffin introduced Judge Warren, while Dr. Richard Smith presented Judge Tuck.
The evening, led by past Board President Reginald Rogers and current Board President Julia Hart, featured moving testimonials from current Gaines House residents, highlighting the organization’s impact. Since 1967, The Gaines House has transformed women’s lives through its supervised residential program in Little Rock’s Quapaw Quarter, maintaining an impressive 90% success rate helping residents transition to independent living.
The evening also recognized several community members with Service Awards for their contributions to The Gaines House’s mission, presented by Julia Hart. A silent auction featured generous donations from local businesses including Trio’s Restaurant, The Community Bicyclist, George’s Little Rock, Ocean’s Restaurant, Murder Farm Hot Sauce, Jimmy’s Serious Sandwiches, Mary Wilson, Hadidi Rug Gallery, Powder & Smoke, Bruno’s Little Italy, Michael, Krupitsky, Michael Darr, Silver San Juan Gallery, Grooming Gallery, and Julia Hart.
Major sponsors included Matthew 25 at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, SPEECHMATTERS, and Reid Smith, The Honorable Joyce Williams Warren, and The Honorable Annabelle Davis Clinton Imber Tuck with in-kind support from Weaver Films, Inviting Arkansas, Meredith Corning PR, Meredith Events, and Resurgent TV, Inc.
Vibrant Occasions Catering elevated the celebration with an expertly crafted menu featuring Caribbean citrus chicken with mango salsa, wild rice pilaf, and innovative vegetarian options including a stuffed acorn squash featuring P. Allen Smith’s Ralston Farms’ harvest blend rice. Guests concluded their dining experience with alternating desserts of Westrock Coffee mocha crème brûlée and Crystal Ridge pecan pie moonshine pineapple shooters.
Founded by a coalition including the Junior League of Little Rock and Altrusa International of Little Rock, Inc., The Gaines House continues its legacy of providing a supportive transitional residence for homeless women with mental, physical, or behavioral health disabilities, empowering them to achieve independence through employment training and outpatient treatment programs.
Those interested in supporting The Gaines House’s mission through volunteering or donations are encouraged to reach out directly. For more information, please visit www.thegaineshouse.org, call 501-376-4015, or email benita@thegaineshouse.org.
