The Chocolate Fantasy Ball promises to be an elegant evening of indulgence and philanthropy for Ronald McDonald House of Arkansas & North Louisiana. Chairman Phyllis Rogers was introduced to the organization when her niece stayed at one of its locations in Rhode Island during her newborn’s medical treatment. She remembers when Ronald McDonald House of Arkansas & Louisiana CEO Janell Mason (then board member and campaign chairman) stopped by her office a few weeks later, the timing was perfect. “Janell invited me to join the Central Arkansas Capital Campaign; I was thrilled to help and now here we are.” As a result, Phyllis served on the board of directors for seven years and the past two years as Chocolate Fantasy Ball Vice Chair, which led to her current leadership. She enthusiastically balances community service with her work as Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care Chief Financial Officer.
Presented by Forvis Mazars, this year’s gala continues a tradition of community support as well as individuals who devote time, energy and resources to easing the burden for families. True to its name, guests can expect a smorgasbord of sweets featuring 9,500 pieces of chocolate along with chocolate cakes, chocolate martinis, and more chocolate confections. Sissy’s Log Cabin will be recognized for generous contributions throughout the years, and the lucky raffle winner will take home jewelry. Live entertainment from Dial Up will bring the celebration to the dance floor.
Phyllis credits the enduring success of the event to the power of teamwork. “As the chair, I represent a huge committee of people who have such a passion for the mission of Ronald McDonald House, and every year they show up.” She’s looking forward to another prosperous evening for this important charity. “Let me tell you, Little Rock shows up! We have a great committee that makes sure we are always moving in the right direction.” Since its inception, the Chocolate Fantasy Ball has provided support for the Ronald McDonald House: Little Rock, and 100 percent of its funds are reinvested into local programs. With a finite focus on keeping families together and close to critically ill child, the house offers all amenities free to families. Throughout its tenure of more than four decades, Ronald McDonald House of Arkansas & North Louisiana has served more than 67,000 families. A new Ronald McDonald House: Little Rock for families receiving care at Baptist Health, including a family unit built directly into the hospital, will open later this year.
For Phyllis, the most meaningful moment of the evening is the family story time – a testament to the lasting impact of the Ronald McDonald House. The Foster family stayed for 111 nights while their newborns received care at Baptist Health Medical Center and Arkansas Children’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. “There are several families who come out of the experience wanting to advocate for the Ronald McDonald House.” She notes, it represents reason and purpose for the gala. “It’s a celebration of what we are able to give to these families.”
CHOCOLATE FANTASY BALL
Saturday, February 28 | Statehouse Convention Center
ronaldmcdonaldhousearnla.org/events/chocolate-fantasy-ball/
