Mandy Macke
Gold is such a magical color. It represents glamour and sophistication. It relates to achievement and winning and luck. It’s said to increase energy and mental focus.
“And although it’s one of my favorite colors, the choice to Go Gold for Color of Hope 2019 is much more than that,” says Mandy Macke. “It’s the color that represents pediatric cancer awareness – which is the leading cause of death by disease for kids under the age of 15 across the country. Yet, less than 4 percent of federal-government funding for cancer research goes toward pediatric cancer.”
Mandy, executive director and vice chairman for the Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation, is the 2019 Color of Hope Gala chair. The 12th annual Color of Hope Gala benefiting Arkansas Children’s Northwest is Aug. 2 at the John Q. Hammons Center. In an effort to increase visibility of Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month in September, Arkansas Children’s Northwest is kicking that off a month prior with funds from Color of Hope going toward hematology/oncology efforts in Northwest Arkansas.
“The evening will be undoubtedly a fantastic experience for everyone in the room. I’m most excited to see 1,700 people from our community join together in one room for one night to support ACNW and bring awareness to pediatric cancer, supporting families like Tori Johnson’s, this year’s champion child,” Mandy says. “When you hear her story and know what the family has gone through and still continues to go through, you can’t help but get excited to be a part of something like #GoGold for COH.”
Part of the fun at Color of Hope is all the guests wearing the chosen color. Anxious to see how Mandy will incorporate the color gold? “I have several dresses picked out … you’ll have to wait and see which one makes an appearance Aug. 2.”
Mandy began serving on the Arkansas Children’s Foundation Board of Directors in 2016. Understanding firsthand how the prolonged illness of a child can affect a family and the promise of health, Mandy is an outspoken advocate for providing care close to home for children and their families.
Mandy Macke with Tori Johnson, 2019 Color of Hope Champion Child. Photo courtesy of Mandy Macke
“It was important to me to honor the institutions that Pat had been a long-time supporter of … Arkansas Children’s was definitely one of those organizations,” she says. “Personally, I’m encouraged by Arkansas Children’s bold vision to move the needle in health care, making our state a better place today and a healthier tomorrow. I am excited to be a part of a collaborative effort motivated to ensure more than 710,000 children in our state (200,000 right here in NWA) can have quality health care close to home.”
Mandy grew up in Fayetteville. Her mom, Patty, also still lives in Fayetteville, and her younger brother, Jonnie, lives in Dallas with his wife Ashley and their two boys, Asa and Eli. She’s been with the Walker Foundation for over 15 years and part of the board since 2013. The foundation continues to honor the legacy of Willard and Pat and support their genuine philanthropic mission to support so many organizations.
“We work to fulfill the mission to assist people in reaching their full potential in life. Access for everyone, ranging from education and health care to supporting arts and amenities for us all to have a better quality of life. I continue to be impressed and inspired by our founders, Willard and Pat. I still hear amazing stories every day of people who benefited from their altruistic spirit.”
So what does Mandy do for fun when she’s not working? “Shop! No seriously, either put me poolside with friends and family or at a Razorback sporting event, and I’m a happy camper.”
We asked Mandy 13 questions to find out a little more about this glamorous giver.
13 with 3W
- Style icon? I pull pieces from so many stylish women. Although not a super popular answer, I think right now I am pulling a mixture of Michelle Obama and Ivanka Trump.
- Beach or mountains? Beach
- Diamonds or pearls? You can never have too many of either!
- Roses or lilies? Roses
- Best trip you’ve ever taken? Havana, Cuba
- Favorite cocktail? Always bubbles
- Heels or flats? Heels (We’re not sure we’ve ever seen her in flats!)
- Quote that inspires you? I have a handwritten note by Pat on my desk that I read almost every day … “There is a destiny that makes us brothers. None goes his way alone. All that we send into the lives of others, comes back into our own.” – Edwin Markham
- What’s one thing you would love to master? The art of patience
- Early bird or night owl? Early bird
- Favorite book? Right now I am into anything Chick Lit!!
- Favorite movie of all time? Obviously it is “Legally Blonde” – lol
- What makes you smile the most? Right now I smile the most thinking about how proud Pat would be of ACNW located in Springdale and having helped more than 30,000 children in clinic visits in the first year. Thinking of Pat’s smile makes me smile.
*We did a full article on Mandy’s mission with Arkansas Children’s Northwest in our 2019 magazine – read it here.
For more information about Color of Hope Gala, visit www.golfandgala.com.