Champions Gala!! 

VIP Reception: 5 pm - 6 pm 

Dinner: 6 pm - 9 pm

The Champions Gala! recognizes three outstanding Champions who are advocate caregivers for their loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  These Champions provide critically needed care, support and love to and for their caregivers in need.  This year’s Champions are:  Outstanding Champions Patricia Carlton, Outstanding Volunteer Champion Sam Sellers and Outstanding Support Group Facilitator Champion Michelle Byler.  Champions are selected by the Champions Gala! Selection Committee based on nominations received. 

The Advocate Dinner was established in 2013 by honoring our first paid Executive Director, Phyllis Watkins.  Phyllis was instrumental in taking the organization from two Support Groups to 54 within her 21 year tenure as Executive Director and initiated countless free services and programs for caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer’s and dementia.  Bob Shell was honored in 2014, Sharon Heflin in 2015 and Sissy Clinton in 2016. 

Pat Carlton’s mother, Louise Rose, lived with Parkinson’s Disease until her passing in 2010.  Pat and her husband Bill faithfully cared for Louise daily through daily prayer and care.  The Rose Garden at the Ginny and Bob Shell Alzheimer’s Center is dedicated to Louise with a birthday gift from Bill to Pat.  Louise Rose lived life as the Southern lady she was because of the care Pat and Bill gave to her selflessly and without question.

Proceeds from the Champions Gala support all of our FREE programs and services, a large portion of which provides financial support to caregivers for respite care, safety home improvements and educational workshops to better understand the disease and its ramifications.  The 2017 Champions Gala! will be held Thursday, March 23^rd beginning with a VIP cocktail hour at 5:00 p.m. at the Marriott Hotel in Little Rock.