Editor’s Note: This article was initially published in October 2020. Since then, Hope Cancer Resources has achieved many great things. Therefore, this article has been updated with that information, as well as new titles for our Car-Mart associates.
There’s a runway; there are lights, there’s music, and people are cheering.
Say what?
It’s the Gentlemen of Distinction Gala, a men’s fashion show where 20 men in northwest Arkansas don a special outfit and take to the stage every year. It’s a fun, entertaining affair that serves as the annual signature fundraiser for Hope Cancer Resources, which provides emotional and practical support to cancer patients and their families.
“We’ve had a little bit of everything. It’s a lot of fun,” says Gay Prescott, Vice President of Development at Hope Cancer Resources. “We’ve had fathers and sons. One man modeled with his dog. Some models quickly. Others truly embrace the runway.”
The gala has grown through the years, making a difference every year. “We can raise money for a specific purpose and know it can change people’s lives,” Gay adds.
America’s Car-Mart has sponsored the Gentlemen of Distinction gala since its inception in 2004. The event honors the legacy of Bill Fleeman, the founder of America’s Car-Mart. The fundraising event provides financial support to cancer patients through Hope Cancer Resources.
“Car-Mart has sponsored our event for a long time. They do it out of their passion in honor of Bill Fleeman and for cancer patients today. Having that culture of philanthropy and supporting families for years and years is a great legacy. Car-Mart does a lot to support families in northwest Arkansas, and they do so at a significant level,” says Gay.
“Think about the population alone. Think about how the area has changed. Think about how our organization has changed and grown. It’s all been based on the demand from patients. We’ve seen an increase in the number of patients. We know people need us. To have a company that so solidly supports us year after year – it gives you a present and helps with our needs,” she maintains.
Walking the Runway
For each gala event, Car-Mart selects an associate to represent the company and model at the gala. “The Car-Mart men come prepared, and they represent Car-Mart very well. They also have a really good time,” laughs Gay. “Car-Mart has a good culture. I always look forward to meeting the Car-Mart models; they always come with stories.”
Photo courtesy of Hope Cancer Resources
“Many Car-Mart associates have participated over the years, and many great stories have been shared, adds Ted Taylor, Car-Mart’s Director of Expansion. “It was an honor to join in this great cause and as part of celebrating 35 years with Car-Mart. We hope this event will continue to raise awareness and support as it grows.”
(Photo courtesy of Hope Cancer Resources)
“It’s important to raise awareness about cancer. I’m glad to be a part of this event and help Hope Cancer Resources raise money,” says Mike Rains, Head of Operations. “Supporting any program that helps provide support to someone affected by cancer or family members by the death of a loved one is something we can all get behind.”
“What a rewarding experience to walk the runway for an exceptional cause,” says Jon Sims, former Senior Vice President of Corporate Recruiting and now a Car-Mart retiree. “Hope Cancer Resources did an exceptional job catering to our needs and preparing us for the experience. Gentlemen of Distinction has developed into a “staple” in cancer treatment and helping those in need in our communities.”
Providing support through the Cancer Journey – Hope Cancer Resources
A cancer diagnosis affects everything. “No one ever really learns about cancer until you get a diagnosis,” says Gay. “It’s a whole new world, and we’re there to walk beside them during their journey.”
In the last 12 months, Hope Cancer Resources has provided support services and resources to 5,446 patients in its community. They have given nearly $829,000 in financial assistance to help patients with prescriptions, nutritional supplements, gas cards, travel expenses, and everyday living expenses such as mortgage/rent, car payments, insurance, and utilities.
Hope Cancer Resources’ services—social work, counseling, support groups, financial assistance, tobacco cessation, personal exercise training to restore physical health, and transportation—are provided at no cost.
(Photo courtesy of Hope Cancer Resources)
Social workers talk with patients about their needs and concerns, so Hope Cancer Resources can provide the right resources – financial, transportation, etc. “Each cancer diagnosis is unique, so it’s important to know what’s going on with each individual,” says Gay.
Hope Cancer Resources has four licensed counselors who connect with patients, help them manage their emotions, and cope with their diagnosis. They also help the family understand what to expect and how to manage the challenging circumstances.
The organization provides transportation to take patients to their appointments, which are daily, weekly, and monthly. In 2023, Hope Cancer Resources traveled some 312,112 miles to transport patients, helping ensure they have access to their cancer treatments.
“Many times, we are their complete support system,” says Gay, adding that providing this level of support is both humbling and rewarding. “We have a lot of stories.” [Learn more about the stories of hope at HRC].
Helping People – a Passion for Gay Prescott
(Photo courtesy of Hope Cancer Resources)
For Gay, helping cancer patients is her life’s calling; she has helped patients for over 25 years. “Watching someone battle a disease like cancer is heart-wrenching. There are so many unknowns. It doesn’t matter where you are in life; cancer is hard, and it’s hard on the person, and it’s hard on the family. It hits you to the core,” says Gay, who joined Hope Cancer Resources in 2005.
Gay feels a close connection to cancer patients, having lost her father to melanoma in 2007.
“My family and I lived through this for a year. It changed my passion and increased it even more as it opened my eyes to the little things, we can do to make a larger impact on people,” Gay says.
“Cancer affects people from all walks of life. It doesn’t pinpoint a certain demographic. It is something that can affect any family. I lived through that with my own family, and it changes you,” Gay continues. “It changed our family for the better. The death of my dad brought my family together even more.”
Helping Hope Cancer Resources
Gay suggests several ways in which people can pay it forward at Hope Cancer Resources:
- Volunteer and be an advocate.
“When you hear a friend, co-worker, or family member newly diagnosed with cancer, we would love for you to say, ‘Hope Cancer Resources can help you.’”
- Donate money.
“Be assured that every gift goes to the sole purpose of helping a cancer patient and helping their patients get through their diagnosis.”
- Stay tuned for our annual Gentlemen of Distinction Gala.
“Perhaps you’ll become a sponsor and then be a model!”
Meet our past Gentlemen of Distinction models:
- Mike Ward – Takes to the Runway for a Great Cause
- Dan Burks – Modeling for a Worthy Cause
- Mike Rains – On the Catwalk for A Cause
