On Tuesday, May 13, the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon-Cutting ceremony for the opening of Beebe Hall at the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches. Beebe Hall is named in honor of former Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe, recognizing his 30 years of service as a volunteer and advocate to the Ranch.
Nancy Fulton, ASYR CEO, welcomed the crowd and expressed gratitude to the builders, contractors, donors, and staff who contributed to making Beebe Hall a reality. She also praised the efforts of the fundraising committee, led by Ray Dillon, ASYR Board President. “Ray Dillon took this on so we could expand our mission, which is why we come to work every day,” stated Fulton. “We know the children are why we are here, and Ray didn’t hesitate to make this a reality.”
Dillon expressed his appreciation for the donors, saying, “I want to thank all our donors for raising over a million dollars and believing in the Ranch and its mission. It is in this spirit that we honor and recognize one of our most loyal and dedicated volunteers, Governor Mike Beebe, for over 30 years of timeless support of the Ranch.”
Fulton shared her gratitude for Governor Beebe’s commitment: “I want to thank Governor Beebe, the humblest man, and we had to talk him into letting us name the home after him. The story goes that when he became Governor, he had to give up all his volunteer work except for the youth ranch, and for that, we wanted to honor him.”
Governor Mike Beebe took the podium and thanked ASYR staff and supporters for their dedication. He reflected on his upbringing in Amagon, Arkansas, where he was raised by a single mother. “I was the kind of kid, I think, to a large degree, represented by some of the kids growing up here. They have hope and a light at the end of the tunnel thanks to the houseparents and programs here that provide so many opportunities from people who believe in them, who believe in helping kids,” Beebe remarked.
“We all have the opportunity to pass on to others our own fortune and pay it forward, because what you do can make a difference,” concluded Governor Beebe.
Founded by the sheriffs of Arkansas in 1976, Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches provides hope, healing, and a home to thousands of children across the state. Children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned come to the Ranch through no fault of their own, seeking a safe, loving place to call home. The Ranch’s mission is to address, remedy, and prevent child abuse and neglect by creating safe, healthy, and permanent homes for children.
As an organization that is 100% privately funded, ASYR relies on charitable giving to provide homes for children. You can support our new home, Beebe Hall with a one-time or monthly donation by clicking here to the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches. For more information on the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch and how you can help, contact Matt Cleveland at matt@youthranches.com.