As one of Little Rock’s premier black tie affairs, the Arkansas Respiratory Health Association (formerly the American Lung Association of Arkansas) likes to start the social season off right. This year’s event is planned for Saturday, October 11th at the Peabody Hotel. A VIP reception will be held in the Mallard’s room and the public reception, along with a silent auction, will be held in the ballroom. As always, the silent auction features items designed to help bidders “take a breather” from everyday life. The auction includes fabulous trips, dinner and cocktail parties as well as Arkansas vacation getaways.
The highlight of the evening is the presentation of the first Karen S. Lackey Lung Health Advancement Award. Karen Lackey served as CEO when the organization was known as the American Lung Association of Arkansas from 2000 until she passed away December 5, 2007. This award is presented to outstanding honorees who have contributed significantly to improving lung health care. This year the award will be presented to Arkansas Blue Cross & Blue Shield “Blue and You Foundation” and philanthropists, Linda and George Gleason.
Craig O’Neill has graciously agreed to emcee for the evening. Following the short awards presentation, guests will have the opportunity to bid on select auction items including special dinner parties and carefully selected trips followed by dancing with the Rockets.
The "Take a Breather" Gala is the finest example of all that the Arkansas Respiratory Health Association does for Arkansans. We celebrate those who advocate for improved lung health and cleaner air, those who search for cures for lung disease and those who are willing to give of their time and resources to make sure advocacy and research can happen. “Our goal for the evening is for everyone to leave knowing that what we do locally to improve lung health has a statewide effect changing lives and providing hope throughout the state,” says Leon Matthews, CEO for the Arkansas Respiratory Health Association.
Two of the programs funded by the “Take a Breather” Gala are the Don’t Start Smoking storyboard contest and the Asthma Basic Care program. Both programs are available to every school in Arkansas and help communicate the asthma management and anti-tobacco message to elementary school students. The Arkansas Respiratory Health Association also utilizes the funds from the “Take a Breather” Gala to advocate for clean air and for lung health research. Research, in addition to benefiting patients, is also the backbone of our education programs, community outreach, and public health policy work, which benefit all Arkansans.