Nicole Bush McCain is an expert in helping the medically fragile. As a clinical science specialist for Sanofi Renal, the busy mother of two travels the state trying to improve the lives of patients on dialysis. In her spare time, she’s managed to plan the annual Arkansas à la Carte event to benefit the children and families served by Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
Thankfully, neither of Nicole’s children have ever been patients at ACH, but she and husband Ross are still fervent supporters. “My dear friend GG Millard has a daughter who had closed heart surgery at only 7 days old,” she says. “Thankfully, due to the care Madison received at ACH, she is running laps around her parents today. As a result of her experience, GG became heavily involved with ACH and was the chair of Arkansas à la Carte last year. I served on her committee and wanted to be involved again this year. I was so honored when they asked me to chair this fantastic event.”
The evening will include cocktails and tastes from some of Little Rock’s best restaurants. There’s also a silent auction and live music. Here’s more:
Q: What’s the fundraising goal for Arkansas à la Carte?
A: We plan to raise $80,000. With the money raised, the Auxiliary will fund the Center for Good Mourning, which provides counseling and support to grieving families; PalCare, a program that focuses on providing a better quality of life for patients and families living with serious life-limiting illnesses; the South Wing Project (Infant and Toddler Unit) and several other worthy programs.
Q: Which restaurants are participating this year?
A: Guests will be able to sample food from more than 20 local restaurants, including Caper’s, Copper Grill, The Pantry, Forty Two, Local Lime, Ashley’s at the Capital Hotel, 1620 Savoy and Jerry B’s at Arthur’s.
Q: Care to share a sneak peek at some of the silent auction items?
A: I’d love to! Some of my favorites include jewelry from Jones & Son Diamond and Bridal Fine Jewelry, an original oil painting by Charlotte Caroom, and a six-day, seven-night vacation to Casa Olivia in the heart of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. We also have season tickets to the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, an exclusive tour of Oaklawn Racing & Gaming and lunch at the Jockey Club, and lots of other local services. It’s a great mix with a wide variety of price points.
Arkansas à la Carte
| When | 6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 18 |
| Where | Children’s Hall on the campus of Arkansas Children’s Hospital |
| Tickets | $100 per person. For info, call 364-1476. |