14 Jun 2026 Mardi Gras in May

Posted at 4:48 PMh in News by

Festive shades of purple, green and gold filled the home of Cathy Browne on May 8 as guests gathered for Mardi Gras in May: Carnivale of Toys & Triumphs, a spring fundraiser benefiting Women & Children First: The Center Against Family Violence.

The Women and Children First Peacekeepers were the hosts of the event.

Hosted by the Peacekeepers, a volunteer group supporting Women & Children First, the masquerade-style celebration brought a taste of New Orleans to Central Arkansas. Each area of the event was inspired by a different part of the city, including Bourbon Street, the Garden District, Jackson Square and Lafayette Cemetery. The Brass Biscuits provided live jazz, while jugglers entertained guests throughout the evening. Attendees also enjoyed a silent auction and wine and bourbon pull.

Larry Freeman (from left), Tanya and Terrance James.

Beyond the festive atmosphere, the evening carried a deeply meaningful purpose. Proceeds from the event helped outfit the children’s spaces inside the newly opened Forest of Hope Family Peace Center, Arkansas’ first center of its kind. The almost $50,000 that was raised will support toys, therapeutic play materials and comfort items designed to help young survivors feel safe, supported and cared for as they begin the healing process.

Pat Meier (from left), Greg Meier, Elizabeth King
and Cathy Browne.

Women & Children First held the official ribbon cutting for the Forest of Hope Family Peace Center on May 28 in Little Rock, marking a historic milestone for survivors of domestic violence across Arkansas. The center brings multiple critical services together under one roof, creating a coordinated, survivor-centered approach to safety, healing and long-term stability.

For many survivors, seeking help can require as many as 22 different stops to access the services they need. The Family Peace Center model is designed to reduce those barriers by offering advocacy, counseling, legal support, children’s services and other resources in one centralized location. The goal is to allow survivors to share their story once while receiving comprehensive, compassionate care from a coordinated team.

Kaylee Smith (from left), Wallace and Amanda Smith.

Founded in 2008 by shelter volunteers and board members, the Peacekeepers have continued to support Women & Children First through fundraising, service projects and special events. Through Mardi Gras in May, their work helped ensure that the Forest of Hope Family Peace Center opened not only as a place of safety, but also as a place where children can find comfort, play and hope.