Preparing for the holiday shopping season generally gets the most organized person into a bit of a panic—who to buy for and what to buy and where to find everything on what seems to be an ever-growing list. Preparing one of Little Rock’s largest holiday shopping events could also prove to be stressful, but not for Ashley Parker, an active Junior League of Little Rock (JLLR) member and this year’s Holiday House chair. She is calm, organized and extremely excited about this year’s event, which makes sense because she describes herself as someone who does not rest until something is done and done right.
Parker is a Little Rock native; she attended Pulaski Academy, danced at Tommie’s Dance Academy and, as a child, watched her mother serve with JLLR. “I saw how the women of JLLR impacted the lives of so many women and children in central Arkansas,” she said. “My love for volunteering began because of my parents’ involvement in the community.”
As this year’s chair for Holiday House, Parker oversees 50 hardworking committee women, as well as helps negotiate sponsorships and makes sure everything is ready to go when doors open to preview shoppers on Wednesday, November 9. She said, “My committee members work very hard day in and day out, so I know this is going to be the most successful Holiday House ever.”
When Parker is not serving with JLLR in other ways or preparing for this year’s Holiday House, she is a vertical market manager with Office Depot. But among the service projects, meetings and sales, family holds the highest importance for Parker and her husband, Jason. “One thing that I think is important, that my parents instilled in me, is to always have dinner together as a family. So my husband and I try our very best to do this most nights of the week,” she explained. “I have two boys, Drew (6) and Will (3). They inspire me to be involved in so many nonprofits because I want to enhance the area in which my boys will grow up, live and play.”
She admits that she could not do all that she does without the support of her husband. “I have been married for 10 years to Jason. I could not be where I am today without the encouragement, love and support he gives me,” she said. “He holds the house together when I am out working in the community.”
Holiday House is JLLR’s largest fundraiser. “The proceeds from this shopping extravaganza help fund all of our community projects,” Parker said. “There are very few places you can go and shop for holiday gifts where you can literally buy everyone on your list a gift and support the community at the same time.”
Parker said her biggest achievement in life so far has been her two boys, but she said she is not quite finished yet. What’s her biggest nonprofit feat thus far? “After Holiday House is over, I will be able to say that I have chaired two of JLLR’s biggest events: Holiday House and Riverfest.”
She suggests that you buy your special event ticket early because they usually sell out fast. She also suggests that you visit JLLR.org to order your general tickets as soon as possible.
Holiday House Event Schedule
• Wednesday, November 9, 6-10 p.m.
“Twas the Night Before” preview party. Music by Barrett Baber, shopping, silent auction, heavy appetizers and drinks.
Tickets: $35 per person.
• Thursday, November 10, 9 a.m. to noon
“A Very Merry Morning” private shopping featuring Chris Olsen of Botanica Gardens, brunch and coffee. Tickets: $30 per person.
• Thursday, November 10, 6-9 p.m.
“Margaritas & Mistletoe” ladies night out. Treat yourself to a Mexican buffet, 2 drinks, a silent auction and wine cork pull.
Tickets: $25 per person.
• Saturday, November 12, 9 a.m. to noon
“Cookies & Milk with Mrs. Claus,” sponsored by Coleman Dairy Foods, allows kids to spend time with Santa’s better half. Children can come in their pajamas for story time with cookies and milk.
Tickets: $5 per child.
General Shopping
• Thursday, November 10, noon to 9 p.m.
Friday, November 11, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, November 12, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tickets: one-day pass, $7 per person; three-day pass, $15 per person