Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Feb. 14, 2025 – Prepare for an evening of art, music, and fashion as the Jonesboro Human Development Center (JHDC) Volunteer Council hosts its sixth annual “Be Your Own Beautiful” Gala.
The gala will take place March 14 at 6 p.m. at St. Bernard’s Auditorium, 505 E. Washington Ave.
JHDC Volunteer Coordinator Cynthia Wilson said this event is designed to allow disabled adults to express their talents and develop self-confidence and positive self-esteem.
“The Be Your Own Beautiful Gala is set up to empower and encourage men and women with intellectual disabilities,” Wilson said. “I want them to showcase their own talents and showcase their own beauty because they’re kind, uniquely beautiful and they have their own beautiful, unique talents. Within the gala, we’ve seen that.”
The JHDC Volunteer Council is a nonprofit organization that utilizes its resources to benefit the residents of the Jonesboro Human Development Center, which serves adults with disabilities, providing training and support to assist persons to live more independently.
The gala will feature keynote speaker Vivian Harden, an entrepreneur and licensed artist for Arkansas State University. Harden will be donating some of her merchandise for the silent auction, which will feature artwork created by people with disabilities.
The event will also feature Zaden J, an award-winning Elvis Tribute Artist, whom Wilson noted was the only participant without a disability.
“When I first started reaching out to the community, the first person that reached out to me was Zaden J,” Wilson said. “[He] came and they [the residents] enjoyed it so much. Of course, our residents and all of the audience loved him because… who doesn’t love Elvis, right? He’s amazing. This will be [his] third year with us.”
Wilson also noted the Be Your Own Beautiful Fashion and Talent Show, which will feature JHDC residents and friends from the community as they model and perform.
“It’s gotten better and better every year,” Wilson said. “I’m just praying that it continues to grow. We’ve been very thankful for St. Bernards for allowing us to use the auditorium. We’ve also had Dillard’s, who’s been our hugest sponsor. Dillard’s has been so good to us. They are amazing. When I bring the participants in, they make arrangements for me so that their staff can help with finding the clothes.”
Bistro on the Ridge will be catering the event’s meals.
“It will be a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the company of friends who share the vision of promoting disability awareness,” Wilson said, noting that they are hoping to have around 200 people again this year.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 each or $250 for a table of eight. All proceeds will go to the JHDC Volunteer Council for future activities and programs.
Wilson said the gala still needs sponsors, which provide meals for the keynote speaker, talent, and JHDC residents participating in the gala. Sponsorship Opportunities include a $500 Gold Sponsor, which will be recognized at the tables, on social media and on the event program, and a $250 Silver Sponsor, which will recognized at the residents’ table and on the event program.
To get tickets before the March 3 deadline or to become a sponsor, contact Wilson at Cynthia.Wilson@dhs.arkansas.gov