In this episode of You're Invited, host Kim welcomes Jaime Land, event chair, and Emily Mitchell, representative from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, to discuss the ongoing mission to treat and cure cystic fibrosis. Emily explains the multifaceted nature of the genetic condition and highlights major medical milestones, noting that in 2019 "a drug was developed called Trikafta, which was transformative" and truly "a breakthrough drug." Thanks to such advances, patients are living significantly longer and fuller lives, with the median lifespan reaching 65. The conversation turns to the annual Little Rock's Finest event, which honors more than 20 local young professionals who step out of their comfort zones to fundraise for critical care and research. Reflecting on her experience as an honoree turned chair, Jamie shares how seeing life expectancy double in a matter of decades made her realize "that the work that we were doing had such real-time impact," drawing her deeper into the Foundation's mission. The event brings the community together for food tastings, an open bar, live music by Rodney Block, and opportunities to connect directly with the local CF community. Emily emphasizes that donations directly support care centers at UAMS, Arkansas Children's, and Mercy in Northwest Arkansas, reminding listeners that "we could not have as wonderful care centers as we do without this money." Listeners are encouraged to visit finest.cff.org or invitingarkansas.com to buy tickets, support local honorees, and help drive research toward a cure.

In this episode of You're Invited, host Kim sits down with Tisha Gribble, President of the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Volunteer Auxiliary. Celebrating 40 years of service, the Auxiliary has raised over $3.5 million to support cancer patients and their families across Arkansas through non-research, patient-centered programs. Tisha reflects on the deeply personal nature of their work, observing that "cancer really touches everybody; if you're anybody, you know somebody that has had cancer".

The conversation focuses on the Auxiliary's major initiatives, including the annual Partners Card fundraiser, which offers a 20% discount at participating local retailers and restaurants from October 23 to November 1 to support patient care grants. They also highlight direct support efforts such as the "Most Vital Pal" patient navigation program, oncology massages, lobby knitting groups, and the long-standing Miracle Star holiday tree tradition. Sharing her own journey, Tisha recalls getting involved after a friend underwent treatment, noting, "I wanted to be a part of the group that was taking care of her". Listeners are invited to join the Auxiliary for $25 annually, follow along on social media @uamscanceraux, or visit invitingarkansas.com to shop local and make philanthropy fun.

This episode of the You're Invited podcast hosted by Kim features guests Sherri Jones, Chief Programs Officer at the Arkansas Food Bank, and Becky Campbell of Arkansas Rice. The discussion focuses on Arkansas's high rank in food insecurity and how regional partnerships, community pantries, and local agricultural producers collaborate to deliver solutions across the state.

Sherry Jones highlights the core issue around food access in Arkansas, explaining, "it's not as easy solvable solution... we cover 33 of the 75 counties across the state... when you go into some of these communities, there's lack of access... your nearest grocery store may be 30 minutes away." She further emphasizes the scale of their operations and the critical role of volunteers: "Pre-COVID, the Arkansas Food Bank distributed about 28 million pounds of food a year. Now we're distributing between 40 and 42 million pounds of food a year and we're still number one in food insecurity," adding, "Our volunteers give over 40,000 hours a year."

Becky Campbell details the significant contribution of the state's agricultural sector, noting, "Agriculture is the number one industry that we have here in our state... Arkansas grows the most rice in the whole United States, over 50%." She shares the long-standing commitment of the industry: "Since like 2015, the rice industry has donated like 2.5 million pounds of rice to food banks across the state."

The episode also highlights upcoming initiatives, including the announcement of a new Delta Community Resource Center in West Helena set to open in Fall 2027, featuring a healthy choice pantry alongside comprehensive support services. The overarching message of the conversation centers on their theme of turning "awareness into action" to end hunger through teamwork, community support, and shared resources.