Circle ‘N’ Stores and Youth Ranches Partner for “Open Hearts, Pump Up”

BATESVILLE, Ark. (February 8, 2010) - Circle ‘N’ Stores are reaching out to help children at the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches during their Open Hearts, Pump Up annual Valentine’s campaign.

“Employees will be giving an all out effort between February 8 and February 14 at our Exxon stores to help children at the Youth Ranches,” said Carla and Mallory Nimocks of Circle ‘N’ Stores.  “We believe it’s important to give back to the communities our stores call home,” they continued.

Customers can help by purchasing gas, of which a portion of the proceeds benefits the Ranches, or by making a $1.00 or more contribution.

“We appreciate this opportunity provided by Circle ‘N’ Stores and encourage citizens to help the children at the Ranches by participating,” said Sheriff Henard.

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 14^th 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

Wallace and Jama Fowler visit with Ranchers at the Youth Ranches headquarters in Batesville.

The Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches (the Ranch) will honor Arkansas business leader and philanthropist Wallace Fowler at its 14^th Annual Arkansas Children’s Award Dinner November 12^th at the Peabody Hotel in Little Rock.

“Wallace is a most deserving recipient of this year’s Children’s Award,” says Mike Cumnock, Ranch CEO. “Our communities, education system, even the roads on which we travel, are better today because of the efforts of Mr. Fowler. Thanks to his generosity and dedication, our state’s youth have exceptional circumstances to pursue a successful and fulfilling life.”

The Children’s Award is given annually to recognize an individual who has made outstanding contributions to create better opportunities for today’s youth. Fowler has devoted his life to making Arkansas a better place to call home, says Cumnock, and we want to honor him for his contributions.

The Children’s Award Dinner will begin at 6 p.m. in the Peabody’s Grand Ballroom.  Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the 14^th consecutive year.  All proceeds from the event benefit the Ranch, and tickets may be purchased by contacting the Ranch at 870.793.6841.

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 Jonesboro.  They have three sons - Wallace Jr. (Wally), Chris and Mark - and six grandchildren - Aaron, Megan, Matthew, C.J., Alexandra and Crystal Crawford.

Due to inclement weather, the Youth Ranch Classic at Chenal Country Club has been postponed to October 26.  We hope that you’ll join on the Beard Den Course for 18-holes then. If you have any questions or would like to register a team, contact Mary Dandurand at 501-223-9188.

The Arkansas Society of Association Executives (ASAE) will host the 2009 Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches Golf Classic September 14 at Chenal Country Club in Little Rock.  Proceeds from the four man scramble will benefit the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches, a state organization that seeks to address, remedy and prevent child abuse and neglect by creating safe, healthy and permanent homes for children.

“Chenal Valley golf course, one of the premiere golf courses in the state, is graciously opening its doors to us and we are excited to be back there again”, says Mike Cumnock, CEO of the Youth Ranches.  “The third annual Youth Ranch Classic is expected to have a great turnout this year as our supporters continue to grow, and we thank the ASAE for hosting this event.”

To register a team, visit the ASAE website or contact Mary Dandurand at 501.223.9188 or dandurand@prodigy.net.

More about the Ranch Classic

Registration and lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m. followed by a shotgun start at 1 p.m.  The event will conclude with an awards reception at the Clubhouse at 5:30 p.m.  Sponsorship levels for the event include:

• Eagle $2,500: Eight Players(2 teams), Lunch, Special Recognition at Lunch, Mulligan, Hole-in-one per player, Special Signage

• Birdie $1,250: Four Players(1 team), Lunch, Special Recognition at Lunch, Special Signage

• Hole & Team Sponsor $1,000: Four Players(1 team), Lunch, Program Recognition, Hole Signage

• Team Sponsor $750: Four Players(1 team), Lunch, Program Recognition

• Hole Sponsor $250: Welcome to be present at the hole, Lunch, Program Recognition, Hole Signage

• Individual Player $200: One Player, Lunch, Drinks on Course

• Lunch Only $35

Chenal Country Club offers two world-class championship Arkansas golf courses designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., one of the world’s leading golf course designers.
Chenal’s first 18-hole championship course, the Founders course, is consistently ranked among the best modern golf courses in the nation.  Jones created a club setting like no other with the development of seven lakes.  The newest course, Bear Den Mountain, has tight, tree-lined fairways, crystal clear creeks and wildlife protected areas.  The 7,221-yard Arkansas golf course incorporates the natural features of the site, distinguishing it from the more open qualities of the original course.

The host, ASAE, was formed in 1978 to bring together people with common interests concerning Arkansas associations and their activities.  They have more than 165 regular members representing more than 100 associations.

The Youth Ranch Classic is sponsored by Deltic Timber, a natural resource company focused on the environmentally responsible ownership and management timberland.  Headquartered in El Dorado, AR, the Company’s operations are located primarily in Arkansas and north Louisiana. Also, Deltic is engaged in real estate development, including Chenal Valley and Chenal Downs.

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The Annual Country Christmas Craft Fair is held at the Youth Ranch near Batesville and gets bigger and better every year.  The show opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m. There are more than 60 craft booths displaying a wide variety of hand-made crafts and gifts, including woodwork, wreaths, sweatshirts, dolls, rabbits, quilts, ceramics, jewelry, candles, wall hangings, bird houses, pillows, baskets, cookbooks, baked goods, candy, and many more Christmas gifts.

The Country Christmas Craft Fair offers an opportunity to visit the Ranch campus and select unique and hand-made gifts at the height of the Christmas shopping season. The Ranch offers a variety of treats – their home-baked cinnamon rolls, assorted baked goods, chili, hot dogs, nachos, soft drinks, hot chocolate and coffee.

Drawings will be held for baskets filled with assorted craft items donated by the participating crafters. Tickets are available the day of the show or from participating crafters.

Everyone is invited to attend this fun-filled event at the Ranch. Admission is free. For more information, contact the Ranch office at P.O. Box 3964, Batesville, AR 72503, or call 870-793-6841.

Arkadelphia, AR (April 14, 2009) - More than 200 supporters of the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches (the Ranch) gathered in Ouachita Baptist University’s Pat Walker Center Tuesday evening to honor Ross Whipple with the 2009 Profile in Service Award, a recognition given annually to an individual making outstanding contributions to create better opportunities for today’s youth, particularly in South Arkansas.

The event raised more than $70,000 to benefit the Ranch’s DeGray Lake campus in Amity, a site Whipple helped establish in 2003.  In addition, he is a founding member of the campus’s Board of Visitors.

After thanking and welcoming all guests, master of ceremonies U.S. Rep. Mike Ross, the 2008 recipient of the profile award, began the evening with comments describing Whipple.

“Ross Whipple understands that our young people are the foundation of this great state and that investing in our children is investing in our future,” said Congressman Ross.  “Without Ross’ tireless efforts and enthusiasm, places like the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch would not exist.  We are pleased to honor his dedication to our young people and to making Arkansas a better place to call home for everyone.”

Conicia (a minor identified only by her first name), current Rancher at the DeGray Lake campus, shared with the audience how her experiences at the Ranch have changed her life. Remarks from Whipple’s daughter, Mary Elizabeth Eldridge, and long-time friend and business associate Steve DeMott followed. Ranch CEO Mike Cumnock and president of the Ranch Board of Directors Larry Stone then presented Whipple with the profile award, a hand-sketched portrait of the honoree drawn by Hot Springs artist Gary Simmons.

“Tonight is really not about me, but about showing support for this great organization,” said Whipple. “The campus here in Clark County currently provides a home for twelve girls, and with your support we can add twelve boys.  I know things are a little tight right now. Tonight I ask you not to give until it hurts; but give until it feels good.”

Founded by a group of concerned sheriffs and individuals in 1976, the Ranch seeks to address, remedy and prevent child abuse and neglect by creating safe, healthy and permanent homes for children.  The Ranch began with two cottages in Batesville more than 30 years ago.  Since then, it has grown to five campuses in Independence, Sharp, Clark, Crawford and Boone counties and provided more than 900 children with a place to call home.

The Ranch opened the DeGray Lake campus in October 2003.  In November 2007, the campus expanded to include two new facilities - the Walter S. Morris Chapel and the Troy D. Tucker Lodge. The new facilities provide educational and recreational opportunities for the more than 80 children who call the Ranch home.

About the honoree

Ross Whipple currently serves as chairman at Summit Bank, managing partner of Whipple Family Limited Partnership, LLLP and Whipple Family Banking Partnership, LLLP and president of Horizon Timber Services, Inc.

A Malvern native, he served as president of the Ross Foundation from 1982 to 1999 and as Chairman from 1999 to present.  Under his leadership, the Ross Foundation has funded new programs such as the Cone Foundation, Arkadelphia Early Childhood Program, and the Arkadelphia School System Computer Project; while offering continuing support to Group Living, Henderson State University, Ouachita Baptist University and other established programs.

Whipple presently serves on the Henderson State University Board of Trustees, Henderson State University Foundation Board, the Arkansas Forestry Association Board, the Clark County Industrial Council Board.  He is also chairman of the Finance Committee for the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Research Institute.

The following is a list of sponsors that made this year’s dinner possible:

Platinum Sponsors

• Chesley Pruet Foundation
• The Ross Foundation
• Summit Bank

Gold Sponsors

• Morris Foundation
• Stephens Inc.

Silver Sponsors

• Ouachita Baptist University
• Henderson State University

Download the Winter 2010 Crossroads

]]> http://www.youthranches.com/2009/06/the-ranch-report/feed/ http://www.youthranches.com/2005/06/a-message-from-the-ceo/ http://www.youthranches.com/2005/06/a-message-from-the-ceo/#comments Sun, 05 Jun 2005 14:24:40 +0000 admin http://127.0.0.1/asyr/?p=89 Some days are so hectic that my morning prayer doesn’t happen until late in the day.

In my readings one day last week, I read with new eyes the passage in Isaiah 42 that refers to “ opening the eyes of the blind, setting captives free, and allowing those who live in dungeons to see light.” As I read those words, I was reminded of a young man who came to the Ranch after having been locked up under his house when he was a small child.

He had gone to live with a relative after the severe abuse. She put in a valiant effort but was unable to reach him and it was she who made the referral to the Ranch. For him, one of his issues was that living in another nuclear “family” was just too intense for him. The abuse had been long-term, systematic and life altering. It had been happening for a long time before it was reported to the authorities-even though there had been medical evidence that should have suggested a problem – because he had not been willing to “tell” on his abuser.

This isn’t surprising. Abused children rarely report such abuse to other family members! There are many reasons for that…they are scared, confused, embarrassed, and often blame themselves. They don’t want the other family members to be mad at them and they fear retaliation from the abuser. Another reason not to tell your family is that, after all, the abuser is “family.” If the victimizer is a stranger the chances are much greater that the crime will be reported.

When Carl (not his real name) arrived at the Ranch, he was angry, resistant and difficult to deal with. His pattern of handling his emotions fit the pattern of others suffering from P.T.S.D. (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and working with him could be very frustrating. He was afraid of the dark, of emotional closeness, and would strike out at anyone who seemed to be getting too close. If he would resort to self-destructive behavior if they succeeded. It seemed his modus operandus was to get himself before someone else could do it. Now, years later, he remains emotionally scarred.

Every time I pray I include the children of the Ranch in my prayers with a special thought to those who I know are having an especially tough time. Unfortunately, sometimes that is a very long list!

I mention Carl because he is a powerful example of the work of the Ranch. We are referred lots of kids and we generally take those with greatest need and fewest resources. Our work is hard, often painful, draining, and tremendously rewarding. Carl is an example of literally setting captives free and bringing those who were in darkness to light. However, once kids arrive at the Ranch the figurative version of the scripture takes place. They are often haunted by demons from their past. Child repair is a very slow process. I love to visit with the children who have been here awhile and hear of their successes. It only takes one positive story to keep me going.

I admit after years of doing this, being a foster parent and parent - that I sometimes have to “psyche” myself up to get the work done. I know of the tremendous good we accomplish, and I still suffer when a kid doesn’t make it. This past holiday season was especially hard…but God works in marvelous ways and my eyes were opened. I was reminded of the tremendous support system that exists for the children and the staff of the Ranches, as hundreds of cards and letters flowed in like a giant wave of support. One night after a really tough day I got in the car to go home and heard the words of a song by Josh Groban, “When I am down and oh, my soul is so weary…when troubles come and my heart burdened be…you raise me up to more than I can be.” With those words my load was lightened knowing that you share responsibility for accomplishing our mission.

Getting children free from the demons that haunt them will never be easy! This work requires a team effort. I am often at a loss for words to thank you for being part of such a great organization. You are, along with the children, always in my prayers!!

— Mike