As Mike Ward walks the runway, he will be thinking of his father.
Mike, our Vice President of Associate Support, will represent America’s Car-Mart at the 20th annual Bill Fleeman Gentlemen of Distinction gala benefitting Hope Cancer Resources. Proceeds from the event support the organization’s mission to provide compassionate, professional cancer support and education in Northwest Arkansas. The event honors the legacy of Bill Fleeman, Car-Mart’s founder. Car-Mart is a proud sponsor of this worthy initiative.
Mike’s dad, Dale Ward, lost his battle with bladder cancer many years ago. Mike remembers the pain and suffering experienced by his dad. He wishes his dad had the support and services available to him that are offered by Hope Cancer Resources.
“Watching my dad go through what he went through was heart-wrenching,” says Mike, who was 30 when his dad died at age 57. “Maybe that helped me change my lifestyle. Today cancer is one of my biggest fears, and my habits have changed.” Mike is an avid runner, running nearly 25 miles weekly, and he maintains a healthy lifestyle.
So, as he dances – yes, they dance – on the runway – to Jump for My Love by the Pointer Sisters, he’ll be remembering his dad. “It’s a fun song from the disco era and has a lot of beats and good vibes,” smiles Mike.
[Learn more about the other 2023 Gentlemen of Distinction].
Modeling for a worthy cause
“At Car-Mart, we’re committed to improving our local communities. This event really exemplifies that, so it’s a great way to support this cause, lead by example, and help raise funds towards the fight against cancer,” says Mike, while adding the gala features a unique way to involve the community.
Mike also believes in the mission of Hope Cancer Resources. “I applaud their efforts to provide support to individuals going through their difficult situations,” Mike says. “It embraces what life is about, and that’s helping others.”
Additionally, Mike says the gala is a great way to honor Car-Mart’s founder, Bill Fleeman. “When you think of Bill, you hear that he had a lot of compassion for others,” says Mike. “So, it’s an honor to carry on his legacy at the gala.”
Having fun
Mike, who graduated from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, joined Car-Mart’s Human Resources department in 2013. He shares the company’s values of Integrity, Respect, Compassion, and Excellence. In fact, every October, he enjoys dressing up for Halloween, having dressed as a pirate, a clown, a medieval knight, Indiana Jones, and Bill Lumbergh (from the movie Office Space).
Mike plans to have fun and enjoy the Gentlemen of Distinction gala while dressed in business casual attire and remembering his dad. He concludes, “It’s a fantastic cause, and I’m glad to support it.”
Want to know more?
Meet our past Gentlemen of Distinction models:
Learn more about Car-Mart’s support of Hope Cancer Resources:
