Allison Cook Janet Warlick Jessica McSpadden

Related Articles

• Living Outside the Box
• Simply Chic
• The Family Business
• The Heart of the Home
• Louisiana Inspiration

The Moodys' hallway boasts a warm color palette with interesting textures thanks to the light fixtures, draperies and antique furnishings.

The month of February is often associated with love and Valentine’s Day. Appropriately, the American Heart Association of Arkansas schedules their Heart Ball gala during this heart-focused time. Complete with wonderful food and amazing auction items, this year’s event will be held on February 16 at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, and it’s a night not to be missed. Angela Moody, a member of this year’s auction committee, has a long history with the American Heart Association, and she invited us into her home to discuss her dedication to and experience with this important organization.

“I’ve been involved with the Heart Association nearly all my life,” she says. “The first fundraiser I ever participated in as a child was Jump Rope for Heart. In 1999, I joined the staff of the American Heart Association in northwest Arkansas, and the very next year I was promoted to executive director of the region. Soon afterwards, I was named Arkansas field operations director, and in 2000, the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal named me a finalist for non-profit executive of the year. I’m passionate about the association because of familial experiences, and I know firsthand that the money raised by the association truly helps to save lives.” Angela’s grandfather was one of the early bypass surgery patients of Dr. Michael DeBakey of Houston, Texas, who pioneered the now-common bypass surgery procedure. “This procedure extended my grandfather’s life by 10 years. My stepfather has also had several heart procedures, and I know that he is still with us thanks to the developments and discoveries of talented doctors and researchers.”

Although Angela loved her work with the northwest Arkansas Heart Association, she decided to relocate to Little Rock, where she met and married her husband Edward. Together, the couple now supports the Little Rock-based office. Because family is so important to the Moodys, they wanted a warm and welcoming home in which their family could grow. “When we began our home search, we knew we were looking for some place that offered privacy and a little acreage. We wanted to remain in Little Rock, and we were curious about a listing we noticed on Thomas Park. Our real estate agent, John Rogers, suggested we view the house, and we immediately fell in love. It’s tucked away in west Little Rock and offers breathtaking views of Pinnacle Mountain and the Little Maumelle River. It truly feels like estate living in a convenient location.” Dr. Jerry and Evelyn Thomas, who contracted with John Ulmer, originally built the home in 1974. The home was designed to accommodate the Thomas’ large family of six children, including noted local artist Barry Thomas. “Barry says this home continues to provide him with inspiration for his artwork,” Angela says. “The Thomas family developed the surrounding neighborhood, and we were able to purchase the home straight from them.”

The Moodys appreciated the good bones and open floor plan of the house, but decided to renovate certain aspects to provide a more formal feel. “We added marble and Ann Sacks tile to all the bathrooms. We added a fireplace, refinished the hardwood floors and renovated and upgraded the kitchen,” Angela says. “Thankfully the home was in such great condition we are able to simply focus on tailoring the house to our lifestyle.” To take advantage of this welcoming and unique house, Angela and Edward have donated a party at their home for the Heart Ball auction. Named “Dining Gubernatorial Style,” the dinner party will host 10 people and will feature cuisine prepared by the Governor’s Mansion chef, Jason Knapp. “I think it will be a great party,” Angela says, “and we hope it raises lots of money for the Heart Association.”