Stopping to smell the roses

Fort Smith gathers to support goal of cancer survival

They sipped on wine. They smelled the roses. They supported survivors and honored those who have passed. River Valley residents turned out April 5 in Fort Smith in support of cancer research and recovery to benefit the Reynolds Cancer Support House, a cost-free support center for those patients actively fighting cancer. The house is the largest free-standing cancer-support facility in the country and provides non-medical support programs and services to cancer patients and caregivers as well as educational programs for the community.

More than 300 guests attended the annual Wine and Roses gala, held at the Reynolds Cancer Support House, and noshed on antipasti, smoked salmon mouse canapes, duck confit wontons and lobster bisque shooters and enjoyed a carving station with braised pork tenderloin with apple butter pan sauce and Korean barbecue. A dessert room included a variety of cheesecakes, dipped strawberries and chocolate and vanilla gateau. Food was provided by River City Deli, owned by Susan Tucker with executive chef Jason Haid. Wine was provided by In Good Spirits.

The event included two special auctions. A silent auction featured art produced by area artists such as Mudpuppy Studios owner Peter Lippincott. The highest bid item on art was $4,000. The art sold was an oil painting by Fayetteville artist Nadine Ripplemeyer called “Silent Suffering.” A 1961 Chateau Haut Brion, Pessac Leognanm Bordeaux, sold for $2,500 at the live wine auction. Jim Hadley and Michael Hadley served as auctioneers.

A women’s Rolex watch, donated by Newton’s Jewelers, brought in more than $6,000 in raffle sales.

Guests danced the night away to music from Hollye Dickinson, and later in the evening, by Fort Smith native, jazz singer Jonathan Karrant.

STAFF PHOTOS ALLISON CARTER Chairmen Neal and Suzanne Cowne, Carl Davis, Barbara and Dr. David Diment stop by the dessert room to enjoy selections including dipped strawberries, key lime cheesecake and gateau. The desserts were flanked by pottery produced by Fort Smith artist...

Event chairmen Deborah and Scott Clark stand in front of donated art at the annual Wine and Roses Gala at the Reynolds Cancer Support House in Fort Smith.

Art chairman Aimee Arzoumanian and chairmen Shane Lanning and Barbara Diment begin the evening in front of donated oil paintings.