Villains with heart
Annual Wonderland generates $65,000 to give a hand to ALS patients
There were more than just Disney villains. A few of Batman’s enemies showed up … the Joker (the truly creepy Heath Ledger-style one), the Riddler and Two-Face.
But the real baddies ruling the runway at ALS in Wonderland Presents Villains Against ALS were Snow White’s evil stepmom, the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland, 101 Dalmatians’ Cruella de Vil, The Princess and the Frog’s Doctor Facilier, Ursula from The Little Mermaid and Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty. The yearly fundraiser for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients was held May 20 at the Albert Pike Masonic Center in Little Rock.
The opening reception came complete with music by the Rodney Block Collective featuring Bijoux; a silent auction; a photo booth; and an aerial silks performance by Camille Rule of Arkansas Circus Arts. The event’s talented team of Mad Hatters produced a colorful collection of top hats for premiere-access guests.
Masters of ceremonies were Dr. Brian McGee and Michelle Duvall, and professional speaker Stephen Howard returned to address the gathering. The show again featured fashionable and fantastic attire by creative director Cody Dunbar along with the contributions of LUV Boutique, Rendezvous Formal Wear, Mirror Me, O’Faolain and GP Collective.
Models carried signs bearing the names of living and deceased ALS patients. Adding spice to the show were performances by a violinist, a dance team, acrobats and a contortionist. Scantily clad “muscle men” introduced each segment, one of which brought out an adorable group of children in kings and queens garb. The evening ended with the recognition of patient honorees Ken Bost, Kristy Dodge and Bobby Geiger.
The event raised $65,000 according to Lara Blume McGee, founder of the ALS in Wonderland Foundation. The money will provide resources for Arkansas ALS patients.