The FACES Foundation is putting a unique spin on its annual fundraiser this year, changing the theme from a two-day Oktoberfest to a one-night Gowns and Boots Bash on Sept. 19 at Crystal Ridge Distillery.
FACES Foundation President and Executive Director Ernie Hinz said that with Oktoberfest being a two-day event, an obvious concern the committee has had since the event's start in 2015 was wet weather.
"We were fortunate for three years with the weather (cooperating), but last year's (Oktoberfest) got rained out," he said. "We anticipated 3,500 to 5,000 people and ended up with 350, so it was a pretty significant loss ... as far as making money for FACES ... so we decided to reevaluate Oktoberfest."
Hinz said the new event's objective is to provide a unique experience.
"The Gowns and Boots (theme) was just to make (the event) a little bit quirky and different ... something the city hasn't seen before."
Hinz said the committee wanted to "step up" some of the things it offered at Oktoberfest by providing live music by the local group Bellaire Buffs and "bucket list" live auction items.
Some of the live auction items include package items like a culinary experience in Tuscany, Italy, a fishing trip with Jimmy Houston at his Twin Eagles Ranch and a trip to New York City for the 2020 US Open Golf Tournament.
The event will also include catering provided by up to 10 local restaurants and drink samples provided by the Crystal Ridge Distillery. Hinz said the distillery, a new addition to Hot Springs with a "true Southern" feel, will blend well with the gowns and boots theme.
According to the FACES Foundation, its "inherent commitment and mission is to provide facial and reconstruction surgery for children and young adults with facial deformities, who would otherwise not have the financial resources to have adequate and appropriate surgical corrections performed."
Hinz said the surgeries FACES provides for patients improves their self-esteem and quality of life, as it allows them to comfortably interact within communities.
"When you do something like this to an individual you change their life. You change the way they perceive themselves and how others perceive them. ... The self-esteem is so visible in their eyes."
Hinz said community support for FACES is important.
"We support individuals in need all over the world ... but we have people in the community in need because insurance won't cover the surgery if the patient is still functioning."
He said supporting FACES is an easy way to change a life, noting, "(Attendees) don't know the difference they're making -- but we do."
All Gowns and Boots Bash proceeds will go to the FACES Foundation. Hinz said the foundation is hoping to complete three to four surgeries within the community with the funds raised from the event.
Tickets are available for $75 online at http://www.gownsandbootsbash.com, or can be purchased through Hinz, who can be contacted at 501-262-5272 or at [email protected].
Local on 07/20/2019