Editor’s Note: This article was initially published in October 2021 and has been updated with Dan Burks’ new title and links to other helpful articles.
It’s October. Fall. Long sleeves. Boots. Football. Halloween. Pumpkin spice. Breast cancer and cancer awareness month. And the 18th Annual Bill Fleeman Gentlemen of Distinction Gala, the annual, signature fundraiser for Hope Cancer Resources, Rogers, Ark.
The gala is a men’s fashion show in which 20 illustrious men take to the stage to raise awareness and money for Hope Cancer Resources. This organization provides emotional and practical support to cancer patients and their families. For 15 years, Car-Mart has sponsored the Gala.
Modeling for a worthy cause
This year, our America’s Car-Mart ‘man of the hour’ is Dan Burks, our Vice President of Operations Support.
“Bill Fleeman, who founded Car-Mart, and the Fleeman family started this worthwhile event. So, it’s a historical part of our company,” Dan says. “At Car-Mart, we like tradition and being a part of things that stay true to our heritage. And Car-Mart helps people, and that’s what Hope Cancer Resources is all about.”
Dan modeled for all those afflicted with cancer. He also paid tribute to several members of his own family who have suffered from cancer. His wife, Julie, had thyroid cancer – happily, she’s now more than ten years cancer-free. His father-in-law had prostate cancer. His mother-in-law had a form of leukemia. His sister-in-law had a double mastectomy.
Supporting the cancer cause is near and dear to Dan’s heart.
Proud to represent Car-Mart
“People say all the time they love their job. It’s something they say,” says Dan. “I have worked for other companies, but I absolutely love the people I work with at Car-Mart, and I really love the company.”
“You always want to feel like you’re adding value. And at Car-Mart that’s what we do every day,” Dan continues. “Transportation is essential to many of our customers and when they have had problems in the past, we are here to help them resolve their issues. They’re our neighbors, and I’m proud to be a part of this.”
“Having fun along the way and taking time and money to do what we can do to help families impacted with cancer – it’s all a good thing,” says Dan. “We’ve always had a big spirit of giving and at Car-Mart, we will continue to find more ways to support our communities.”
“I love the fact we do this,” Dan concluded.
Want to know more?
- Bill Fleeman Gentleman of Distinction Gala, check out our blog, Honoring Bill Fleeman, Car-Mart’s Founder
- Hope Cancer Resources, read our blog, Making a Difference since 2004
Our brave Car-Mart associates who have battled cancer:
- Mary Jones’ Story of Inspiration and Courage
- The Unknown Woman’s Cancer
- Kristi’s Story: Surviving Breast Cancer
Meet our other Gentlemen of Distinction models:
