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Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas (CACar) is a non-profit organization that is a chapter of the National Children’s Alliance operating in Arkansas for the purpose of promoting, assisting and supporting the development, growth and continuation of child advocacy centers.
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Our network of 32 Child Advocacy Center locations in Arkansas provides direct services, free of charge, to child abuse victims and their non-offending family members, while also serving as a resource for the 64 Multi-disciplinary Teams across the state.
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Inspiration Gala
October 16, 2025 |
Join us for a night to remember at the 2025 Inspiration Gala. Guests will enjoy an elegant evening heartfelt stories, and the opportunity to celebrate extraordinary individuals who are advocating for Arkansas' most vulnerable children.
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6:00 p.m. |
The evening begins with an exclusive VIP reception for our valued event sponsors, whose generous support helps make our work possible.
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7:oo p.m. |
The dinner, fashion show and inspiring program will begin at 7:00 p.m.
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Our Honorees
2025 Inspire Award Recipient:
Dr. Karen Farst
Dr. Karen Farst
The Inspire Award honors individuals who have made an impact improving the lives of children in Arkansas.
Dr. Karen Farst was the first physician in Arkansas to be board-certified in Child Abuse Pediatrics and has been a leading advocate for vulnerable children for more than 20 years. Her dedication and expertise have saved lives and helped shape the future of child protection in Arkansas.
Dr. Farst earned her undergraduate and medical degrees from Texas Tech University, followed by residency training in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). After three years in private practice in Northwest Arkansas, she began volunteering at the Benton County Children’s Advocacy Center, which inspired her to pursue a fellowship in Child Abuse Pediatrics at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
In 2004, Dr. Farst joined the Team for Children at Risk at Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH). Today, she serves as Chief Medical Officer and leads the Child Maltreatment Program at ACH. She is also a Professor of Pediatrics at UAMS. In 2011, she was elected to the Board of Directors for the National Children’s Alliance, recognizing her national leadership in the field.
Dr. Farst earned her undergraduate and medical degrees from Texas Tech University, followed by residency training in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). After three years in private practice in Northwest Arkansas, she began volunteering at the Benton County Children’s Advocacy Center, which inspired her to pursue a fellowship in Child Abuse Pediatrics at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
In 2004, Dr. Farst joined the Team for Children at Risk at Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH). Today, she serves as Chief Medical Officer and leads the Child Maltreatment Program at ACH. She is also a Professor of Pediatrics at UAMS. In 2011, she was elected to the Board of Directors for the National Children’s Alliance, recognizing her national leadership in the field.
2025 Blue Ribbon Honoree:
Karen Wright, LPC
Karen Wright, LPC
The Blue Ribbon Award is presented to an adult who has been affected by the trauma of abuse and is willing to share his or her experiences in order to bring awareness to the problem of child abuse and neglect.
Karen Wright is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s in Professional Counseling and advanced certification in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She began her work at the Cooper Anthony Mercy Child Advocacy Center (CAMCAC) in 2012 as its first mental health provider, later becoming the Executive Director in 2017. She played a key role in opening the CAMCAC location in Saline County.
Karen was instrumental in expanding mental health services and launching the center’s Community Education program, empowering children to understand body safety and speak out against abuse. Her contributions earned her recognition as ARBest’s “Clinician of the Year” in 2013.
Now a Real Estate Agent with White Stone Real Estate in Hot Springs, Karen continues to serve her community with heart and dedication. Though her career has shifted, her commitment to protecting and advocating for vulnerable children remains unwavering. In her free time, she enjoys playing pickleball, spending time with her adult children and grandchildren, and sharing life with her identical twin—her lifelong best friend.
Karen was instrumental in expanding mental health services and launching the center’s Community Education program, empowering children to understand body safety and speak out against abuse. Her contributions earned her recognition as ARBest’s “Clinician of the Year” in 2013.
Now a Real Estate Agent with White Stone Real Estate in Hot Springs, Karen continues to serve her community with heart and dedication. Though her career has shifted, her commitment to protecting and advocating for vulnerable children remains unwavering. In her free time, she enjoys playing pickleball, spending time with her adult children and grandchildren, and sharing life with her identical twin—her lifelong best friend.
Honorary Chairs
Elizabeth & Attorney General Tim Griffin
Supporting Arkansas’ most vulnerable children takes passion, leadership, and an unwavering heart for service — all qualities Tim and Elizabeth Griffin embody. After being honored at last year’s Inspiration Gala, we are so grateful for their continued partnership and willingness to serve as this year’s Honorary Chairs.
Elizabeth Griffin has been a dedicated advocate for children in foster care, serving on the statewide board of The CALL, a nonprofit that recruits and supports foster and adoptive families across Arkansas. She has also volunteered as coordinator for Walk for the Waiting, raising critical funds and awareness for organizations serving children in foster care, including The CALL, Immerse Arkansas, and Project Zero.
Tim Griffin currently serves as the Attorney General of Arkansas, following eight years as the state’s Lieutenant Governor and four years representing Arkansas’ 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Tim has shown a deep commitment to children and families through his service on the boards of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas, Our House, and Pathway to Freedom — all organizations focused on supporting vulnerable children and providing pathways to stability, mentorship, and hope.
Elizabeth Griffin has been a dedicated advocate for children in foster care, serving on the statewide board of The CALL, a nonprofit that recruits and supports foster and adoptive families across Arkansas. She has also volunteered as coordinator for Walk for the Waiting, raising critical funds and awareness for organizations serving children in foster care, including The CALL, Immerse Arkansas, and Project Zero.
Tim Griffin currently serves as the Attorney General of Arkansas, following eight years as the state’s Lieutenant Governor and four years representing Arkansas’ 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Tim has shown a deep commitment to children and families through his service on the boards of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas, Our House, and Pathway to Freedom — all organizations focused on supporting vulnerable children and providing pathways to stability, mentorship, and hope.