Festival of Chairs Benefits CASA

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Sherry Smith and Laura Simpson with the Bubbly and Baubles raffle item, the Konstantino necklace.

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Looking for that special one-of-a-kind chair or a colorful art piece?
Then mark your calendar. More than 20 artists are busy creating unique, individually designed chairs that will be auctioned at the 8th Annual Festival of Chairs from 6 to 11 p.m. on Friday, October 16.
“The Festival of Chairs has become our signature event that showcases the work of outstanding artists who have taken a neglected chair and brought it back to life, similar to what our advocates do every day,” says Tess Fletcher, Executive Director for CASA of the 20th Judicial District which includes Faulkner, Van Buren, and Searcy Counties. “Along with the chairs, we have a live and silent auction that’s filled with exciting items.”
This year will include our Bubbly and Baubles raffle which will add an extra bit of shine to the event. Raffle tickets will be sold at the event for a chance to win a beautiful Konstantino pendant necklace donated by Fletcher Smith’s Jewelers. “The Konstantino necklace is gorgeous,” says Laura Simpson, co-chairman of this year’s Festival. “The lucky winner will be the envy of everyone at the event. Fletcher Smith’s Jewelers has been donating to the Festival of Chairs for years and we are overwhelmed by their kindness and generosity.” Raffle tickets cost $25 each or three for $60.
This years honorary co-chairs for the Festival of Chairs are Hugh and Linda Tyler. Hugh is retired vice president from Virco Mfg., and Linda is the State Representative for District 45 in Conway and a retired executive from Acxiom Corporation. Their long time support for our community includes First United Methodist Church, Conway Regional’s Medical System, Foundation and Women’s Council, UCA Foundation, Purple Circle Club, United way of Central Arkansas, Faulkner County Library, National Kidney Foundation, Conway Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Arkansas of the State Chamber. In the Legislature Linda serves on the Education, State Agencies, Lottery Oversight, Legislative Council and Rules committees. She currently serves as vice-chair of the Higher Education sub-committee of the Legislative Council. Their son Doug has recently moved back to Arkansas and their daughter Melissa lives in Little Rock with her husband Donell Burkett and their children Gabe and Eve.
Many Conway restaurants and chefs are showing their support for CASA by donating the food for the Festival of Chairs. “Our menu will include fabulous food from The Brewery, Mike’s Place, Michelangelo’s Ristorante, Gusano’s, U.S. Pizza, Ruby Tuesday, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Oak Street Bistro, T.G.I. Friday’s, MarketPlace, Cake and Company and Chili’s.” says Lori Quinn, co-chairman of this year’s festival. “We are also grateful to Snap-On Equipment, Centennial Bank, Conway Copies, Custom Metals, Nabholz Construction, Prosecuting Attorney Marcus Vaden, and our other sponsors for their support of this event,” says Quinn.
Tickets for the Festival of Chairs are $35 in advance and $45 at the door. For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or more information, call 501.328.3347.
Proceeds from the Festival of Chairs benefit CASA of the 20th Judicial District.