Hot Springs philanthropist ‘Mama Dorothy’ lauded by Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches.
Dorothy Morris honored for work with Youth Ranches
Hot Springs philanthropist Dorothy Morris has added to her already considerable number of accolades.
“Mama Dorothy,” as adults and children call her, was honored during the 23rd annual Arkansas Children’s Award Dinner, benefiting the Batesville-based Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches and held Oct. 11 in the ballroom of the Embassy Suites Little Rock. The award is given to “outstanding Arkansans who have made a significant difference in the lives of [Arkansas] children.” Among the guests were young clients of the Youth Ranches, which provide a nurturing group foster care program.
Dinner chairman Ray Dillon introduced the always humorous former Gov. Mike Beebe, who has served as master of ceremonies for the event from its start. The program also included remarks from Nancy Fulton, chief executive officer of Youth Ranches, and a testimony by resident Luke, whose tough family circumstances brought him to the ranch but who now is an up-and-coming cattleman … with Morris as a partner. Gaylen McGee conducted the live auction.
Giving tributes to Morris were Mary Zunick, honorary consul of Japan for Arkansas and cultural affairs manager for Visit Hot Springs; state Rep. Les Warren, president of Hot Springs Title Co.; and Courtney Pledger, executive director and CEO of Arkansas Education Television Network.
Beebe, before presenting Morris with her award, attested to her “bubbly” and “effervescent” personality. “Aw, she’s a bear now,” he warned. “Most of the time she’s a koala bear, but she can be a grizzly bear” on behalf of others whose causes she champions.
Morris lauded the agency for the many services she observed being given there. “This award means so much to me,” she said, crediting her late husband, Walter Morris — a “dedicated” Youth Ranches supporter whose name graces a chapel on the agency’s DeGray Lake Campus — for her involvement.