Local philanthropist sparks inspiration at award dinner
LITTLE ROCK — Hot Springs residents showed up in full force at the William J. Clinton Presidential Center on Thursday to attend an event honoring philanthropist Dorothy Morris.
Each year since 2007, Little Rock’s Gaines House has given the Sandra Wilson Cherry Award to a woman who serves as a role model and example of generosity to the women who reside there.
Morris has mirrored those ideals in her work with the Morris Foundation, which has invested in people and organizations across Arkansas, especially Hot Springs, with more than $1 million of support to date.
In a short film created by videographer Michael Mueller, notables including Spa City artists Gary Simmons and Richard Stephens, awarded filmmaker Benjamin Meade, and U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-District 4, shared their admiration for the “Angel of the Arts,” and Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival Executive Director Courtney Pledger spoke of how Morris rallied to revive the nearly defunct annual film event.
Personal remarks were delivered at the podium, too, by people who have felt graced by Morris in their own lives.
Student Dylan Saettele said he wouldn’t have grown the confidence he now has without her. AETN Producer Tanisha Joe-Conway said Morris helped her grow by having more confidence in her than she had in herself. And Arkansas Champion Trees artist Linda Williams Palmer showed their closeness by referring to Morris as “Sis.”
A representative of Gaines House said the dinner honoring Morris raised a record-breaking amount for the establishment, illustrating the philanthropist’s ability to inspire others to give.
The striking etched glass award, emblazoned with an image of its namesake, was presented by husband of the late Sandra Cherry, John S. “Jack” Cherry, and their daughter, Jane Cherry. She also received a bouquet of richly red long-stemmed roses.
During Morris’ acceptance speech, she demonstrated her generous nature by humbly turning the focus toward her friend and former teacher at Malvern High School, Bettye Wallace. She spoke of the inspiration and confidence Wallace gave her during those years of adolescence, and encouraged the audience to shine their own lights of inspiration in whatever way they could.
The Gaines House is a residential facility for previously homeless women who have physical or mental disabilities. The program works to empower them through a rehabilitation process, so they can become contributing members of their community.
Guests to the event were treated to a meal served in the Great Hall, with entertainment by singer Diane Kesling and pianist Chuck Dodson. Don Gooch served as the evening’s master of ceremonies, and also lent his vocal talents in song.