Pictured from left:
Executive Director, Carlene Leaper, Program Moderator,
Joe Birch of WMC-TV,
and Arc Board President Merle Smith

The celebration included a look back into the Arc’s historical past, while taking time to honor individuals whose Lifetime Achievement’s have been committed to empowering and inspiring individuals with disabilities to achieve their full potential.

A look at the many guests who attended the night’s celebration including
Mayor A.C. Wharton, Jr. and his family.

Pictured from left:
Program Moderator,
Joe Birch of WMC-TV, Tristan Myers and
Michele Smith

The evening was filled with surprises which included an Elvis Presley performance from local entertainment group Elvis and the Unusual Suspects, live music from On The Move Band, and special guest appearance from local media anchor April Norris of ABC 24. The 60th Anniversary Celebration was also graced by the presence of Mayor A.C. Wharton, Jr., a long time supporter of The Arc of the Mid-South’s mission, who offered congratulatory remarks as an icon on behalf of the City of Memphis. 

Honorees were recognized for community achievements in categories of education, community services, humanitarianism, professional achievement, empowerment, advocacy, and outstanding membership.

Dr. Wendy Ashcroft, Field Director at Christian Brothers University, and Almarie Brooks, a teacher at Craigmont Middle School were both recognized for their devotion to their careers and received the Achievement in Education Award.

Past Board President of The Arc of the Mid-South, Paul Drake was awarded the Outstanding Membership Award for maintaining longevity with the agency and his continued support of the agency’s programs and services.

Paul Drake, Life Long Member of The Arc, interviewed and hired Carlene Leaper. 30 years later, Leaper is dedicating her leadership role as Executive Director to Mr. and Mrs. Drake.

Highlights from the evening included the Dedication to One of our Most Memorable Advocates. The notable speech was given at the Gala dinner by Kathy Price –Daughter of Anne Drake.

“A little over a year ago, the mid-south lost one of its strongest advocates for individuals with disabilities. Anne Drake’s journey of helping and guiding parents of children with disabilities began when her own child (Mary) was born with disabilities. For almost 50 years, Anne gave tirelessly of herself.  Her life was centered around the handicapped and not just her own child but as an advocate for other parents and guardians sharing resources and networking long before there ever was an internet, facebook or twitter.  She and her husband, Paul opened their hearts and home to advocacy meetings, parents of children with disabilites and even took in another child with disability for a long period of time.  

Anne became secretary and then executive director of MARC now known as Arc of the Mid South at a time when it was at a low point. Parents of children with disabilities needed questions answered and Anne was determined to find those answers. She helped turn MARC around and in doing so adopted a dear friend who became a part of her family. Carlene Leaper was secretary at that time and Anne trained and encouraged her to become director. Anne became not only a mentor for Carlene but also a mom.

Anne always believed that Mary was an angel from heaven and we were blessed to have an angel in our own home. I recall the day after Anne passed away when the priest came to our house to talk with the family. Mary looked up at him and said “Did you hear about my momma?” Father Kirk looked back at her and said, “No Mary what happened?” Mary said, “She died-she’s in heaven.”  We were all relieved that she seemed to understand what was going on. Then with her big brown eyes she looked up again and said, “Father-have you been by there lately?”

 I know that Anne (my mom and Paul’s wife) is looking down on this gala right now and smiling for all the efforts that the Arc of the Mid South continues to make.”

Pictured from left:
Kathy Price, Paul Drake, and Carlene Leaper

Executive Director, Carlene Leaper expressed words of gratitude for those in attendance by stating, “On behalf of all the families we serve, our self advocates, service recipients, and Board of Directors, we thank you for attending this year’s Annual Benefit Gala.  With your dedication and support we expect to continue providing the necessary services and support to our families and our clients.   Thank you for supporting our mission, "Empowering People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to Achieve Their Full Potential”.  Your investment changes the lives of our service recipients!”

Certificate of appreciation recipients for lifetime dedication to Arc

The Arc of the Mid-South looks forward to what special milestones we will achieve in the future as we embark on another 60 year journey of empowering people... and empowering lives...