Carin's Latest Tweets
Hudsons Host Liberian Delegation; Varied Event Raises $80,000 For Mason Foundation
Last updated Saturday, August 11, 2007 10:01 PM CDT in Columns
By Carin Schoppmeyer
THE MORNING NEWS
I stopped by Joanna and Richard Hudson's Fayetteville home Aug. 4 as representatives from Congressman John Boozman's office, his wife Cathy, a delegation of Liberian congressmen and several local folks were sitting down to lunch in the middle of a day of meetings to acquaint the Liberian government officials with the United States in general and Arkansas in particular. Congressman Boozman had planned to be there but was delayed by an extended session in the House of Representatives.
Richard told me that since he's learned over the years that fewer than 5 percent of international guests to the United States get to visit an American home, he suggested hosting the luncheon at their home.
To maximize the Southern experience for their Liberian guests, the Hudsons served fried catfish, chicken, hushpuppies, green tomato relish and brownies on their lushly shaded backyard deck.
The legislators from the small west African nation were in Northwest Arkansas as part of a trip coordinated by the U.S. House of Representatives House Democracy Assistance Commission of which Boozman is a member.
The commission is "set up by the speaker to assist fledgling democracies promote stability and growth as a new democracy via exchange programs with both staff and members of the participating countries," according to Boozman legislative assistant Beau Walker.
They spent the day at the Hudson's hearing presentations from Winrock International and Heifer International to explore partnership opportunities.
Liberia's population of approximately 3.2 million has endured years of civil wars and several transitional governments but since 2005 has been working to establish a democracy under the leadership of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
Liberian delegates of the 11-day U.S. visit were Senate President Pro Tem Isaac Nyenabo, Deputy Speaker of the House Tokpah Mulbah, Sen. Clarice Alpha Jah, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee Armah Sarnor, Sen. Gloria Maya Musu Scott, Rep. James Pobee Biney and Rep. Mohammed Ware.
Guests welcoming new international friends included Beth and Bill Ramsey, Susan and UA Fulbright College dean Don Bobbitt, Swalen Karanja and Elizabeth Elango of Heifer International and David Norman of Winrock International.
That evening the Mason Memorial Foundation and about 300 supporters were "Flyin' Through the Decades," at the Northwest Arkansas Convention Center.
Volunteers and several guests chose their favorite decade and dressed accordingly for the Swiss Army knife of a fundraiser that consisted of a dinner, dance, auction and casino night.
Decor encompassed everything from disco balls and vintage cars to a back alley speakeasy entrance.
Those dressed in zoot suits, go go boots, flapper fringe and poodle skirts helped the foundation raise $80,000 to help support its mission of providing "charitable contributions, gifts and funding to individuals in need and to community institutions that work to improve the well being of children and families."
Considering the varied focus areas, the multi-purpose fundraiser was quite fitting. The Mason Memorial Foundation supplies funds to children's shelters, helps raise awareness about Down syndrome, supports Rebuilding Together, provides assistance to local families in Arkansas, North Carolina and supports two orphanages and five schools in Haiti.
Those on hand included Mason founders Debbie and Mike Pianalto, emcee Leslee Wright, volunteer auctioneer Dick Trammel and Nancy Walker, volunteers Diana Wilder, Darcy Esfeld, Cristi Maxwell, Ara Bokker and Wayne Bell.
Our Town columnist Carin Schoppmeyer can be reached by e-mailing cschoppmeyer@nwaonline.net or by phoning 872-5049.
About this columnist
Columnist Carin Schoppmeyer party hops each week to capture the who's who of Northwest Arkansas. Her column covers the numerous charitable events in this community and the people who make them possible.
Email her at cschoppmeyer@nwaonline.net. See past columns on her archive page.
Reader Comments (No comments posted.)
The following comments are provided by readers and are the sole responsibility of their authors. The Morning News does not review comments before their publication, nor do we guarantee their accuracy. By publishing a comment here you agree to abide by our comment policy. If you see a comment that violates our policy, please notify the web editor.
Not already registered?
