Fundraising group honors pair’s philanthropic efforts
Eileen Sotomora and her husband, Ricardo, don’t just break out their checkbooks — they share their time, talents and energy with their chosen causes.
Whether it’s the American Heart Association, Arkansas Arts Center, Arkansas Symphony Orchestra or University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the energetic couple devote time — and money — to help each succeed.
And others have taken note. In response to their generosity, the Sotomoras will be honored as Outstanding Philanthropists by the Arkansas Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals at the National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon on Nov. 14 at the ballroom of the Peabody Little Rock hotel.
Here’s a glimpse at what the Sotomoras have done: m In 1998, the pair came up with the idea for and founded the American Heart Association’s Central Arkansas Sweetheart program, a service and education program for high school sophomore girls. m They served as members of the Arts Center’s Directors Circle with Ricardo serving as a trustee on the center’s board for three years. m They chaired the orchestra’s Opus Ball in 2008, an event which raised more than $475,000 for the symphony. m Eileen is serving her fourth year as a member of UALR’s Alumni Board and in the spring, the couple were honorees of the Finale, which benefits the UALR arts program.
And they have made financial contributions, giving more than $100,000 to the Heart Association, at least $35,000 in the last four years to the Arts Center, and more than $25,000 to the symphony’s Foundation.
Eileen, 48 and a native of Washington state who moved to Hot Springs when she was 13, said philanthropy — financially and through time and energy — is a priority for her and her husband.
“It enriches everyone’s life, not just in doing it but when you see the results — because it makes you
feel so good,” says Eileen, who became a registered nurse in 1985, met her husband while working in a neonatal ICU at Doctors Hospital, and currently manages his pediatric cardiology practice.
“I guess it’s something that comes from years of taking care of children,” she adds.
Now that the couple’s daughter, Charli, is grown — turning 20 this month and a UALR junior majoring in anthropology and criminal justice — the pair have more deeply immersed themselves into the community.
Serving on UALR’s alumni board is a homecoming for Eileen, who, while working full time as a nurse, resumed her education there in the early 1990s and got a degree in political science.
“I seriously considered going to law school,” she says, “but I was 28 and decided to have a baby instead. Sometimes it’s just not possible to do everything you want.”
Growing up, she watched her parents volunteer at their church and as a young wife and mother, Eileen joined the Pulaski County Medical Society Auxiliary.
“It was a ladies lunch organization that was made up of a group of doctors’ wives and we were very involved in health-related education and raising money for organizations like Dorcas House.
“I was in my mid- to late-20s then and women like Willie Oates and Marie Smith were in that group,” Eileen says. “I used to say, ‘When I grow up, I want to be like Willie Oates.’ She accomplished so much and had so much energy.”
Serving several terms as president and treasurer in that organization was the foundation for Eileen’s philanthropy.
“That’s where I learned about the mechanics of a nonprofit organization and what makes it work.”
When she’s not volunteering, Eileen likes planting flowers and shrubs in the yard of her west Little Rock home, scrapbooking and walking the family’s dogs Puddin’, a labchow mix and Ivy, a husky.
Others honored at the National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon will include Kirk Bradshaw (Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser), Ellie Lambert (Outstanding Volunteer Youth Fundraiser between the ages of 5 and 17), Little Rock Central High Junior Civitan Club (Outstanding Volunteer Organization), Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas (Outstanding Foundation), Baptist Health (Outstanding Corporation), and Dawn Prasifka with Centers for Youth and Families (Outstanding Fundraising Professional).
The Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Arkansas Chapter includes nearly 200 fundraising professionals throughout the state at hospitals, universities, museums, theaters, community-based organizations, consulting firms and other nonprofit agencies.
The luncheon and award ceremonies will include about 500 attendees with representatives from more than 100 nonprofit organizations. Funds from sponsors and luncheon ticket sales go toward paying for the event as well as continuing education for Arkansas’ fundraising and nonprofit professionals.