Award-winning Volunteer Designates $5,000 to UAMS Cancer Institute

By Holland Doran

Hatim Smouni
Hatim Smouni (left) presents a $5,000 donation to UAMS Cancer Institute director Peter Emanuel, M.D. The donation was made on his behalf by the Invest in Others Charitable Foundation and InvestmentNews.

Hatim Smouni
The day after receiving a Community Leadership Award, UAMS Cancer Institute volunteer Hatim Smouni participating in ringing the bell at the Nasdaq MarketSite. The Cancer Institute’s name and logo were displayed on the Nasdaq’s marquee in Times Square.

Oct. 30, 2013 | Hatim Smouni may not seek glory for his volunteer work, but that didn’t stop a national organization from giving him some much-deserved recognition.

A volunteer at the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, Smouni was named a finalist in the national Community Leadership Awards sponsored by the Invest in Others Charitable Foundation and InvestmentNews. More than 200 people from across the country were nominated for the awards, which recognize financial advisors for their community involvement and activism. Smouni is a wealth management advisor at Merrill Lynch in Little Rock.

As one of three finalists in the Volunteer of the Year category, a $5,000 donation was made on behalf of Smouni to an organization of his choice. He received the award at a ceremony in New York City on Sept. 19.

“I chose to donate my award proceeds to the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute because this is truly where my heart lies,” he said. “I’ve seen the impact the Cancer Institute has on the people of Arkansas, and I am proud to be a part of their work in the fight against cancer.”

In 2008, Smouni took a lead role in establishing the Envoys, an advocacy group at the Cancer Institute dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the institute’s research and treatment programs. As their major project each year, the Envoys provide Seeds of Science grants to Cancer Institute researchers. These grants provide seed money for small projects, which in turn increase a scientist’s ability to receive additional funding from outside entities.

In addition to providing grants, the Envoys provide a support network for new doctors and scientists and host a series of “Doctor is In” receptions throughout the year to offer the public a chance to meet Cancer Institute physicians and learn about advances in cancer treatment.