Sometimes in the great world of perspiring arts, there are days worthy of taking a short break from the regular drills.

Today is one of those, because tonight is one of the great functions in our state. It is for Arkansas’ men and the women who love them.

The event is the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation’s “Boys and Their Toys” fundraiser, the group’s largest moneymaker of the year.

This one is special because the honorary chairman is someone who has been giving back to his adopted community and state for almost three decades.

Understand that he is in almost constant demand to make appearances — ranging from local events to CNN — but when asked to serve he said: “Prostate cancer is something that cannot be ignored. We need much greater awareness of this terrible disease.” Some know him as “Broadway Joe.” Others know him as Joe “The Lead Dog,” but all know Joe Booker as a man who cares.

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He’s a quiet man with a love for family, sports, music, people and, most of all, God.

The program director for KIPR-FM, Power 92. 3, and host of his own shows, he is actively involved with the Power 92 Jammers charity basketball team, the Vikings’ Youth Football Association, Watershed, the Little Rock Gang Task Force, Arkansas Baptist College and much more.

If it sounds like he should be receiving a citizen of the year award, it’s because he should.

When Helen Baldwin, executive director of the APCF, asked for suggestions for someone to serve as the honorary chairman, Booker’s name immediately came to mind.

The only worry was, would a man who hosts two radio shows, a TV show and is the program director for Citadel actually have any time.

“He’s been sensational,” Baldwin said. “He’s worked very hard to make this a special night, and it will be because of how much he cares about people.” Tonight, Booker and about 500 guests — absolutely no ties allowed — will party hearty at the Jack Stephens Center on the UALR campus. There will be silent and live auctions, great food, entertainment and all for a great cause.

It is a sports theme, which is another good fit for Booker. He is a self-proclaimed basketball junkie, and when he was a student at Arkansas State, he was the public address announcer for basketball games.

He looks like he could still play.

There will be many survivors of the disease in attendance as well as their loved ones, and most have a heartwarming story, but this party is open to all. Tickets are still available for $ 50 and, of course, the APCF is a 501 (c ) (3 ) foundation.

In Arkansas, more men die from prostate cancer than women do from breast cancer, and in our state, 55 percent of African-Americans are likely to get prostate cancer.

It is a disease that can be detected, and the earlier the better. There are two tests, a blood test and the other, which is not fun, but it isn’t painful and is done quickly and discreetly.

Among its many functions, the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation offers free screenings, which generally cost $ 150.

Booker, a native of South Carolina, has watched a close friend battle this disease, which was one of the main reasons he was willing to squeeze a little more time out of his already busy day.

He began his career in the military as an announcer in the Armed Forces Korean Network, and upon his honorable discharge, he moved to Arkansas and enrolled at ASU.

By 1983, he was making a name for himself in central Arkansas as “The Lead Dog” and nationally as a man who understands his industry and has twice been sergeant-at-arms of the National Black Programmers Coalition.

“Joe has embraced this event and cause with unbelievable passion,” Baldwin said. “We are very fortunate to have him as our honorary chairman.” Tonight is a celebration of survivors and their families, and an opportunity to continue the fight against this deadly disease that affects one in six men.