Sustainer Luncheon salutes one of Junior League’s own
The stormy weather forecast for May 3 held off a bit as if in deference to Vicki Saviers, founder and former executive director of the Little Rock Public Education Foundation. Saviers was honored as the 2017 sustainer of the year at the Junior League of Little Rock Sustainer Luncheon, held at the league’s downtown headquarters.
Attendees were treated to a lunch of spring green salad, tarragon chicken salad and petits fours. They were welcomed by Jill Dunlap, sustainer board president, and given a “state of the league” update by league president Amanda Richardson — notably its work on behalf of children. Sustainer Ellon Cockrill, chairman of the league’s annual fund committee, invited audience members to become founding members of the new 1922 Society to support League community projects. The group will celebrate its centennial in 2022.
Toyce Newton, president and chief executive officer of Phoenix Youth and Family Services in southeast Arkansas, spoke about her friendship with Saviers. “I never knew that Vicki was a member of the Junior League — because it wasn’t something that she wore as a badge,” Newton said. “Instead, she wore it as her ensemble: the way she walked, the way she talked, the way she treated people, the way she advocated.”
During her acceptance remarks, Saviers shared her time serving with, and learning from, the league.