This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s (ASO) Opus Ball. The evening will include melodious music, a scrumptious meal and entertaining company set against the luxurious backdrop of the elegant Capital Hotel and hosted by the gracious and generous Shirley Davis.
Davis is a full-time philanthropist. She began giving back to the community a number of years ago alongside her late husband Jerry, who served as president, CEO and chairman of the board for Affiliated Foods Inc. Davis also serves on the board of Baptist Health, CARTI (Central Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute) and Women and Children First. She and Jerry were married for 25 years and have four children between them.
“Philanthropy was our fifth child,” Davis said. “Jerry really liked to help people. So do I. When he died, I got so many letters from people from all over the state telling me about his generosity … from buying lunch for someone to giving someone money when they didn’t have enough to get along.”
Davis has attended the Opus Ball for more than 10 years and chaired the ball once before, along with Jerry. Troy Deal, director of development for the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, predicts this year’s ball will be special and is happy to work with Davis, who he also considers a friend.
“When it came to choosing a chair for the 25th anniversary, Shirley Davis was a logical choice. Not only did Shirley and Jerry chair the successful Opus XIX, Shirley is a powerhouse when it comes to getting behind a project and providing the leadership necessary for a successful event. She is a committed, kind-hearted person and everyone loves to spend time with her.”
Davis has also chaired the Arkansas Heart Association’s Heart Ball, Baptist Health’s Bolo Bash and AY Magazine’s Runway for a Cause.
The Opus Ball, which is sold out, will be held Nov. 14 at the Capital Hotel, which is a change of venue for the event. Guests will dine in five rooms to music from five different ASO ensembles and the ASO Big Band will provide music for dancing. The evening will also consist of silent and live auctions with items, such as a 2009 Harley Davidson Dyna Street Bob motorcycle and a Hollywood cocktail party for 30 hosted by actor Judge Reinhold at the Dibrell House in Little Rock.
Opus XXV is expected to raise more than $475,000 — funds that will benefit ASO education and outreach programs, including the four Youth Orchestras, the Orchestra and You program, the ArtPartners program and the annual Children’s Concert.
“The ASO provides musical education for children all over Arkansas, and music is important to the overall education of children. That’s why these fundraisers are so important,” Davis said. “This year’s ball is going to be extra special, because it’s the 25th and we have a great backdrop — the Capital Hotel. The setting is exceptionally good, the chef, Lee Richardson, and the food, along with the music … it’s all going to make for a wonderful night.”
For more information about ASO and its programs, log onto arkansassymphony.org.
