Wallace and Jama Fowler Honored at Children’s Award Dinner, Event Raises More than 209K for Ranch
More than 500 supporters of the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches (the Ranch) gathered in the Peabody Little Rock Grand Ballroom the evening of November 12 to honor Wallace and Jama Fowler at the 14th Annual Arkansas Children’s Award Dinner, raising more than $209,000 for the non-profit organization.
The Children’s Award is given each year to recognize individuals who make outstanding contributions in creating better opportunities for Arkansas’ youth. Master of Ceremonies Governor Mike Beebe, the first Children’s Award recipient and long-time Ranch supporter, began the program by thanking all Ranch supporters and sheriffs in attendance and introduced current Rancher Shawndra (a minor identified only by her first name), who shared with the attendees details of how the Ranch has changed her life.
Liberty Bank of Arkansas President John Freeman followed Shawndra by speaking of the passion and dedication Mr. Fowler carries to work with him each day. Dr. David Gearhart, University of Arkansas Chancellor, and Dr. Leslie Wyatt, Arkansas State University (ASU) President, both spoke to the great contributions the Fowler family has made to each of the state’s universities and how their efforts have resulted in a thriving educational environment abundant with opportunity.
In describing the Fowler Center on the ASU campus, Dr. Wyatt quoted the words of a fourth grader from West Memphis on her first visit to the facility: “I only see places this beautiful in my dreams.”
Also speaking in Mr. Fowler’s honor was former Arkansas Governor Jim Guy Tucker. Former President Bill Clinton surprised the Fowler’s with a special video message paying tribute to the Fowler’s.
“I can’t think of anyone who deserves this recognition more than Wallace. Wallace and Jama have worked tirelessly for so many years to ensure that Arkansas remains a special place to live, work and raise a family,” said President Clinton.
The event concluded with remarks from the evening’s honorees. After recognizing a supporting family, the Fowler’s modestly took the podium to share their experience at the Ranch’s Batesville campus.
“There was just love in every group that you went to [at the Ranch],” said Wallace Fowler. “You are to be congratulated for that. It was a great experience and any of you who have the opportunity to do it, do it.”
The following sponsors helped make this year’s dinner possible:
Presenting Sponsors
- Fowler Foods, Inc.
- Liberty Bank of Arkansas
- Lindsey Companies
Platinum Sponsors
- The Walton Foundation
Gold Sponsors
- Dillard’s, Inc.
- Entergy
- Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard PLLC
- Olds Foundation/Millard and Theda Aud
- Stone Ward
- Truman and Anita Arnold
Silver Sponsors
- Arkansas Blue Cross & Blue Shield
- Bird and Bear Medical, Inc.
- Chesapeake Energy
- Centennial Bank
- DD & F Consulting Group
- Delta Dental of Arkansas
About the Honoree, Wallace Fowler
Wallace Fowler is chairman and CEO of Liberty Bank of Arkansas and the chairman of Fowler Foods, Inc. An active participant in state development, Fowler has served as chairman of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, a member of the Governor’s Citizens Council on Highways and Transportation and serves on the Arkansas State Police Commission.
His many contributions to Arkansas universities, including the University of Arkansas’ Chancellor’s residence and Arkansas State University Fowler Center for performing arts, have fostered a thriving academic environment in the state. Fowler also helped shape Northeast Arkansas into a prosperous region, having served as president of the Jonesboro Economic Development Commission, chairman of the Jonesboro Municipal Airport and fundraising chairman for the St. Bernard’s Cancer Treatment Center.
Fowler is a native of Manila and Oak Grove, Arkansas, and attended the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. He and wife Jama have been married for 54 years and reside in