Supporting Women's Independence: The Gaines House 16th Annual Sandra Wilson Cherry Awards Dinner
The Gaines House located in Little Rock, Arkansas.
At Meredith Corning PR, we believe in the power of storytelling to amplify important missions and celebrate community impact. We recently had the privilege of providing public relations and event support services for The Gaines House's 16th Annual Sandra Wilson Cherry Awards Dinner, an evening that highlighted both remarkable community leaders and a truly unique organization that has been transforming lives in Little Rock since 1967.
The Gaines House stands apart in its approach to supporting homeless women with disabilities. Founded through a coordinated effort between the Little Rock Junior League, the Pulaski County Mental Health Association, Arkansas Rehabilitation Services and Altrusa International of Little Rock, this special facility offers something rare and precious: unlimited length of stay for residents who need ongoing support. Under the leadership of Board President Julia Hart, the organization provides a structured, supportive environment where women can stabilize their lives through consistent housing, coordinated medical care, and comprehensive case management.
Working closely with The Gaines House team, we developed compelling narratives around their mission and the evening's distinguished honorees: The Honorable Joyce Williams Warren, Arkansas' first Black female judge and first Black person elected to a state-level trial court judgeship, and The Honorable Annabelle Davis Clinton Imber Tuck, the first woman elected to the Arkansas Supreme Court. Our team had the privilege of working with both judges to craft their biographies, ensuring their groundbreaking achievements and dedication to public service were effectively communicated throughout the event's programming and media coverage.
Our comprehensive PR campaign resulted in valuable coverage in Inviting Arkansas, both in print and digital formats, helping to spread awareness about The Gaines House's vital mission and their impressive 90% success rate in helping residents transition to independent living. Through our sister company, Meredith Events, we provided event coordination support to ensure a seamless experience for all attendees at the beautiful Chenal Event Venue.
The evening was further enhanced by our industry partners' contributions. Vibrant Occasions Catering created an innovative menu featuring Caribbean citrus chicken with mango salsa and creative vegetarian options, while Brian Weaver of Weaver Films captured the evening's inspiring moments through photography and video.
What makes The Gaines House truly special is its comprehensive approach to support. Unlike traditional shelters, residents must have a recommendation and be in or have access to treatment, working with caseworkers to ensure medication compliance and appointment attendance. This structured environment, where meals are provided and living situations remain consistent, creates the stability necessary for women to progress toward independent living.
The Gaines House continues to seek community support to maintain its vital services. While they receive some assistance through food banks and other programs, there's always a need for additional resources. For those interested in contributing to their mission, please visit www.thegaineshouse.org or contact benita@thegaineshouse.org.
We're grateful for the opportunity to support organizations like The Gaines House that make such a meaningful difference in our community. Their dedication to empowering women through comprehensive support and training programs exemplifies the kind of positive change we aim to amplify through our work.
Event Partners:
Venue: Chenal Event Venue
Catering: Vibrant Occasions Catering
Videography & Photography: Weaver Films @Weaverfilmsar
PR & Event Planning: Meredith Corning PR, Meredith Events
Special Thanks to Major Sponsors: Matthew 25 at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral SPEECHMATTERS Reid Smith The Honorable Joyce Williams Warren The Honorable Annabelle Davis Clinton Imber Tuck
In-kind Sponsors: Resurgent TV, Inc. Inviting Arkansas Weaver Films Meredith Events Meredith Corning PR Silent Auction Donors: Trio’s Restaurant, The Community Bicyclist, George's Little Rock, Ocean's Restaurant, Murder Farm Hot Sauce, Jimmy's Serious Sandwiches, Mary Wilson, Hadidi Rug Gallery, Powder & Smoke, Bruno’s Little Italy, Michael, Krupitsky, Michael Darr, Silver San Juan Gallery, Grooming Gallery, and Julia Hart