The Gentlemen of Distinction Gala started in 2004 to honor the legacy of Bill Fleeman, Car-Mart’s founder. The fund-raising event provides financial support to patients in treatment for cancer through Hope Cancer Resources, an organization that provides compassionate, professional cancer support and education in northwest Arkansas.
Car-Mart is proud to support the Bill Fleeman Gentlemen of Distinction Gala. And, we’re doubly thrilled the gala is named in honor of Bill, who firmly believed in being a good neighbor.
“When most of us hear the name, Bill Fleeman, we think of an entrepreneur who had great success as a grocer, developer, builder and businessman. But those who knew Bill say with certainty that he was also a ‘gentleman of distinction’ in all facets of his life, says Gay Prescott, Vice President of Development at Hope Cancer Resources.
“Bill’s family and friends remember him as a true mentor and teacher,” Gay continues. “He believed that talents and gifts provide a sense of purpose, and his success in business proved that to be true.”
Throughout his life, Bill was inspired to help others. He often quietly gave when he saw a need in another family. In 1999, Bill lost his own battle with cancer, yet his legacy continues. In his memory, his family continues his vision to give to others making a difference for so many families living with cancer.
Gay adds that Bill, who founded Car-Mart in 1981, was strongly committed to his family and friends. He had a great love and admiration for his wife, Jeannie, and their four children, and he absolutely adored his five granddaughters.
About Gentlemen of Distinction
The Fleeman Family has served as the event’s presenting sponsor every year. The event brings gentlemen throughout the community together to model in honor and in memory of family and friends.
Car-Mart’s ‘gentleman’ representative is Ted Taylor, who joined Car-Mart in 1985 and has served in multiple positions. Read Ted’s Car-Mart story.
“It is a privilege to participate in this year’s event, in honor of Bill,” says Ted. “I appreciate Gay’s comments about Bill’s approach to helping others. There is a great deal of truth in an adage, ‘actions speak louder than words.’ Bill may have established Car-Mart, in part, to provide customers and associates an opportunity they would otherwise not have been afforded anywhere else.”
The 2019 Gentleman of Distinction
Daniel S. Bradford, M.D. is the 2019 winner. Dr. Bradford has practiced as a medical oncologist in northwest Arkansas since 1989. Dr. Bradford graduated from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 1983 with a Doctor of Medicine degree. He then completed a residency there in internal medicine followed by a fellowship in hematology-oncology which he completed in 1989.
He began his practice in Fayetteville, Ark.in 1989 and in 1996, with Drs. Joseph Thaddeus Beck and Malcolm Hayward started Highlands Oncology Group, PA to give specialized care in medical oncology and hematology to cancer patients in Northwest Arkansas. Dr. Bradford has also been instrumental in the development of the Center for Chest Care, a multidisciplinary approach for patients with known or suspected cancer of the lung and chest.
