Beth Roberts has a long-standing association with St. Vincent Health System. She was born at St. Vincent’s Hospital before she moved to Pine Bluff as a child, and members of her family have been treated at the hospital, including her husband, who was in an ATV accident last year. Now Roberts and her husband, Chris, are co-chairing St. Vincent’s largest annual event: the IV Party.
Roberts, who is a full-time mother and wife, initially got involved volunteering for St. Vincent because of her husband’s commitment to community service via his position as the president of Delta Trust and Bank. Now her commitment has grown from a family affair to a personal devotion.
“St. Vincent has been a cornerstone of our community for generations,” said the mother of three. “Quality health care is so important, and Little Rock is blessed to have a hospital like St. Vincent. They not only provide great care, but they also attend to the spiritual needs of the patient and family. This personal approach to health care is what makes St. Vincent special.”
This year’s IV Party theme will call on a slightly different point of inspiration than previous years, but it will be equally as fabulous—or should we say “glampourous.”
“Here in Arkansas, I know most people associate camp life with some form of hunting or fishing,” said Roberts. “However ‘camp’ can mean many things, as Chris and I learned when we sat in the presentation for the event that Todd Bagwell, the St. Vincent Foundation event planner, made last September.”
This year’s IV Party theme is “glamping,” a combination of camping and glamour without all of the wood hauling and bugs. “Most of my friends think of camo when it comes to camp attire, but ‘glamping’ is actually very sophisticated camping, and I think guests are really going to be surprised with what is in store for them on Saturday, May 12,” Roberts said.
This year’s IV Party will move out west, to the new St. Vincent West Campus near The Promenade, and will feature food from YaYa’s European Bistro. “Much like camp life, the food this year will be an interactive experience between the catering staff and guests,” Roberts explained. “Authentic smokers and grills will be visually a part of the event so guests can walk right up to the kitchen. If you enjoy eating meat, it will be a dream come true for you!”
She continued, “Chris and I love that the IV Party is not black tie, and there is also no auction, so you don’t have to worry about spending more money after you’ve committed to the ticket.”
Don’t let the stereotypes of camo coveralls, crawling bugs or uphill hiking deter you from this event; glamping St. Vincent style is going to be nothing like you’ve seen before. “Glamping is different things to different people. Some think a fancy tent and a generator make camping glamorous,” Roberts said. “My friends and I joke that glamping for us is a nice hotel!”
Consider attending this event, which will specifically raise funds for the purchase of a 3D mammography unit for the St. Vincent Breast Center.
St. Vincent IV Party
When: 6:30 p.m. benefactors party, 8 p.m. main event; Saturday, May 12
Where: St. Vincent West, 16221 St. Vincent Way, Little Rock
Tickets: $500 per benefactor, $175 per person for main event
Info: StVincentHealth.com/IVParty