Take 5 with Tabitha

by: Stephanie Maxwell Newton

West Memphis native Tabitha McNulty was drawn to the Junior League of Little Rock for the same reason many members are: to become more connected to her community. “I’m not originally from Little Rock. When I joined as a new member, I had a 1-year-old son and really wanted to make the city my home,” she says. “I felt the best way to do that was through community service, and I hoped to meet other moms—people whose kids would likely grow up with my kids.” Now in her 13th year as an active member, Tabitha is President of the 2022-2023 Board. She balances this role with a career as an appellate attorney and life at home as wife to Kelly McNulty and mom to Max, Maggie, and Henry. Here are some of her top five favorite memories over the years— including an unforgettable past year as President.

JLLR’s induction into the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame in April 2022.

“It was so moving watching our organization being honored along with all the other amazing women.”

Taking part in 100 hours of service at the Arkansas Food Bank as part of the Centennial Celebration’s yearlong “Legacy of Impact” project.

“This was such a fun day with lots of smiles and hard work. My two youngest kids volunteered with me and, after six hours of service, my daughter wanted to know if we were going to work a third shift. It was a great day of service with women of the Junior League, both actives and sustainers.”

JLLR’s reception of the President’s Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Arkansas Chapter.

In November 2022, JLLR was recognized during National Philanthropy Day for its commitment to the central Arkansas community. “Receiving this award was a wonderful honor.”

4

1 2 5 3

Witnessing JLLR’s mission to improve elementary school students’ school preparedness in action.

One of Tabitha’s proudest moments as a League member can be summed up in a letter JLLR received from a Little Rock School District librarian at one of the schools visited by Little Readers Rock. “A mother came to the school one morning to return a book to the librarian she thought the little boy had stolen,” Tabitha explains. “She learned the book was actually one JLLR had given him through Little Readers Rock. The mother was so touched, and said it was the first book the little boy had ever owned.”

Feeling inspired by her fellow League members.

“One of my favorite memories was sitting at a general meeting and watching the photographer for our Publications committee wearing her new baby while taking photos at the event. As a mom, I loved watching another mom with her baby while serving our women’s service organization. I loved that she felt supported to do both.”