February 28th, 2018 - Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas is pleased to announce that Shelley McMillon will be honored as the 2018 Woman of Inspiration. The honor will be presented at a dinner event to be held at the Statehouse Convention Center on Friday, October 19, 2018. All proceeds will be used to support Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas and their pursuit in implementing more centers across the state and providing funding for the expansion of services offered by existing centers. This annual event honors a woman who has made a contribution to society for the benefit of children and serves as a substantial fundraiser for Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas. Mrs. McMillon is an advocate of children, as evidenced by her many years of philanthropy and association with various children’s causes, including serving as a board member to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Benton County. Shelley is married to Doug McMillon, president and CEO of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. They have been married for 25 years and have two sons currently in college.
The Blue Ribbon Award will also be presented at the Woman of Inspiration event. This award is obtainable to an adult who has been affected by the trauma of abuse and is willing to share his or her experiences in order to bring awareness to the problem of child abuse and neglect. The 2018 Blue Ribbon Award will be presented to Rep. DeAnn Vaught, who represents District 4 in the Arkansas House of Representatives. She serves as chair of the House Management Committee for the 91st General Assembly and she is also a member of the Farm Bureau and Pork Producers. Rep. Vaught and her husband Jon have three children and resides in Horatio. We are grateful for her willingness to share her own story of child abuse. This awareness ultimately helps the mission of Children’s Advocacy Centers.
The 2018 Executive Committee will include Event Chairs, Heather McKim and Charles Redfield, Honorary Chair, Arkansas First Lady Susan Hutchinson, the 2015 Arkansas Woman of Inspiration, Corporate Chair, Tom Kennedy, Fashion Show Chair, Michelle DuVall, Auction Committee Chair, Laura Labay and Design Chair, Tanarah Luxe Floral.