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Photo credit: The Gaines House

 

Indulge in an exquisite culinary journey at The Gaines House 15th Sandra Wilson Cherry Award Dinner, where Vibrant Occasions Catering will present an unforgettable menu designed to delight your taste buds. Prepare to savor each tantalizing bite as we take you through a delectable feast crafted with passion and creativity. 

 

Tickets are still on sale at the following link:

 

https://www.thegaineshouse.org/sandra-wilson-cherry-award-dinner-tickets 

 

This prestigious event will be held on Thursday, November 9, 2023, from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Chenal Event Venue in Little Rock, AR. The Sandra Wilson Cherry Award, named after the late Sandra Cherry, has been established to recognize exceptional women who have excelled in their careers and community service. This year, Gaines House has chosen Kathy Webb, CEO of the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, Little Rock City Council member, and Vice Mayor, as the well-deserving recipient of this distinguished award.

 

Gaines House, a non-profit organization with 501(c)3 status, provides a supportive and empowering environment for homeless women with disabilities who are seeking to transition into independent living. Located in the historic Quapaw Quarter, Gaines House offers a warm and homelike atmosphere where residents can thrive. Every woman residing at Gaines House is required to either be in training for employment or attending an outpatient treatment program, ensuring comprehensive support to help rebuild their lives.

 

Since its establishment in 1967 by a coalition consisting of the Junior League of Little Rock, Altrusa International of Little Rock, Inc., and the now-dissolved Pulaski County Mental Health Association, Gaines House has positively transformed the lives of over 3,500 women from across Arkansas who have been diagnosed with disabilities. Impressively, 90% of program participants have successfully achieved rehabilitation and become contributing members of our community.

 

“The Gaines House provides an invaluable service to our community, offering a supervised residential environment that prepares homeless disabled women for independence,” stated Mary Krikorian, managing partner and event coordinator for Vibrant Occasions Catering. “We are honored to be part of this noble cause and contribute to fundraising efforts that provide maintenance and upgrades to the facility, programs for the residents, and essential administrative needs.”

 

Menu (subject to change slightly):

 

First Course Plated Meal

Garden Salad: A vibrant medley of freshly picked greens tossed in our signature house vinaigrette, delivering a refreshing burst of flavors.

Dinner Rolls: Enjoy the warm embrace of our freshly-baked sweet rolls and wheat rolls, served with a hint of sweetness and a touch of wholesomeness.

 

Second Course Plated Meal

Panko Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Experience culinary perfection as tender chicken breast is expertly crusted with a delightful blend of panko bread crumbs and shredded parmesan cheese. Draped with a luxurious beurre blanc sauce, this dish showcases the artistry of our chefs.

Garlicky Green Beans: Delight your palate with the freshness of crisp green beans lightly seasoned with garlic butter, offering a perfect balance of savory and vibrant flavors.

Tri-Color Roasted Potatoes: Revel in the harmonious medley of yukon gold potatoes, sweet potatoes, and baby red potatoes. Drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, lightly seasoned, and roasted to perfection, this dish adds a touch of rustic charm to your plate.

 

Vegan/Vegetarian Option Available Upon Request

Stuffed Acorn Squash: Our vegan creation celebrates the richness of P. Allen Smith’s Ralston Farms’ Harvest Blend Rice, combined with sautéed vegetables including chickpeas, spinach, peppers, and corn. Enhanced with dried cranberries and toasted walnuts, all nestled inside a roasted acorn squash and adorned with a vegan cucumber aioli, this dish showcases the diversity of plant-based cuisine.

 

Sweet Finale

4 Layer Chocolate Delight Shooters: Dive into layers of pure bliss starting with a pecan shortbread crust. Indulge in sweetened cream cheese, velvety chocolate pudding, and a generous dollop of whipped cream. Served in individual glasses, this dessert is a symphony of chocolatey decadence.

Strawberry Cheesecake Shooters: Allow your senses to indulge in the creamy delight of New York-style cheesecake paired with a sweetened graham cracker crust. Presented in individual shot glasses and topped with succulent strawberries, this dessert brings a delightful combination of tangy and sweet flavors.

 

Join us at The Gaines House 15th Sandra Wilson Cherry Award Dinner, where Vibrant Occasions Catering will elevate your dining experience to new heights. Come and relish our meticulously crafted menu, knowing that your presence and support contribute to the betterment of the lives of homeless women with disabilities. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference while treating yourself to an evening of exceptional dining.

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