Without a doubt, it’s the sweetest night of the year in Little Rock, and it’s not just because of the menu. The Chocolate Fantasy Ball returns next month with a craveable spread any sweet tooth would swoon over, all to raise funds for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas & North Louisiana. Before the black-tie night, we caught up with 2025 gala chairs Paula Styers and Julie Mehlin to learn all about the RMHC mission and what to expect in March.
What’s your first memory of RMHC?
PS: In the early 1990s, my niece, Kathryn, was born with a critical heart condition that required her to stay in the hospital for 10 months out of her 13 months of life. I witnessed the hardships families endured. Some parents slept in waiting rooms or even in their cars. I met other families staying at the Ronald McDonald House who were grateful for the respite. RMH provided a sanctuary where they could escape the chaos and recharge. Seeing the relief and gratitude of those families opened my eyes to the importance of having such a refuge.
JM: In 2022, I attended my first Chocolate Fantasy Ball and heard a family who had stayed at the Ronald McDonald House speak of their experience of staying there. I was able to look through their eyes as to how Ronald McDonald House was truly a godsend during a devastating part of their life. I had always heard about Ronald McDonald House, but never really knew what they did. That evening, I saw how impactful this organization is to those whose children are critically ill, providing them with a “home away from home” while their child is receiving life-saving medical treatment.
How did you get involved with the Arkansas chapter?
PS: I began by volunteering for the Chocolate Fantasy Ball committee, then became a board member and chairman of the development committee. Witnessing RMH’s impact on the lives of these families and the dedication of the board and staff motivates me to continue contributing.
JM: Attending the Chocolate Fantasy Ball in 2022 really was a turning point for me. I had volunteered for various nonprofits in Little Rock prior to having children and knew I still wanted to give back to the community. I have witnessed the amazing work being done while on the committee for Chocolate Fantasy Ball the past three years, and I am now on the board of directors and get to see the selfless dedication of our board and staff. Visiting with the families who are staying at the house and seeing how grateful they are for the warm beds, provided meals and other invaluable services, it makes me realize what a difference we are making in their lives.
What do you wish more people knew about the nonprofit?
PS: Every Ronald McDonald House is a locally-funded and -governed nonprofit. A hundred percent of all donations raised in Arkansas stay right here to serve Arkansas families. A common misconception is we are funded by Arkansas Children’s Hospital and McDonald’s. While both are wonderful partners, our funding comes from local donors, corporations, foundations, our events and other community-driven initiatives.
JM: Some believe we only serve families of babies at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, but in reality, our services also extend to families with a child in UAMS and Baptist Health, ages newborn to 21. We are committed to supporting the broadest network of families to ensure they receive the assistance needed. When a family is faced with a pediatric medical crisis, Ronald McDonald House programs are here to support them thanks to our generous donors and volunteers.
Is there a program or element of RMHC that holds special significance for you personally?
PS: The Meals From the Heart program provides a quiet respite for families keeping a bedside vigil. Volunteers prepare nourishing meals, offering vital relief to parents exhausted from long hospital days, uncertain of their child’s fate. I’ll never forget a weary mother’s face as she savored a moment of peace when I let her know dinner was ready, a glimmer of comfort in an otherwise unimaginable ordeal. These are the moments that inspire our volunteers, who make such compassionate care possible.
JM: My son was born in 2014 with a heart defect. Although it turned out to be minor, it was a terrifying time for me and gave me a small understanding of what our families are going through during what is surely the most difficult time of their lives. Unfortunately, some of these families have children who may never make it home. The guests of the Ronald McDonald House become a tight-knit family who support each other, lift up one another and, most importantly, let them know that they are not alone in this fight.
What makes the Chocolate Fantasy Ball stand out on Little Rock’s busy social calendar?
PS: The Chocolate Fantasy Ball is not just an event, it’s an experience that begins the moment you walk through the door. It’s an evening filled with laughter, music and, of course, chocolate. We have 8,000 bite-sized pieces of chocolate, all generously donated by local businesses. Our event features one of the largest and most exciting auctions around, as well as a fabulous and entertaining band.
JM: Everything! And where else do you begin your evening with dessert? This year we are bringing some new features to the ball which we are really excited about. I believe our donors and guests will leave with a clear understanding of their philanthropy’s impact and how it supports Arkansas families in their time of crisis, as well as a desire to become more engaged, and all while having a great night out.
What are you most looking forward to tasting on the big night?
PS: The chocolate, of course!
JM: Although we have planned an amazing dinner experience, the chocolate is definitely the star of the night.
Chocolate Fantasy Ball
Benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas & North Louisiana
March 8, 6 p.m. | Statehouse Convention Center
Info: chocolatefantasyball.com
PHOTOGRAPHY
JASON MASTERS
CLOTHING
BARBARA/JEAN
HAIR & MAKEUP
LORI WENGER
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