George family gives $1 million to Jones Center Endowment

BusinessNorthwest ArkansasPeople & Business in the news

by The City Wire staff ([email protected]) May 1, 2014 4:28 pm 116 views 

The Jones Trust announced a $1 million pledge by the George Family awarded Thursday (May 5) in Springdale. The funds will go to the Jones Center Endowment Fund, a campaign goal of $30 million.

“The George family has been an important part of Springdale’s history and the Northwest Arkansas landscape for many years, and we are so pleased with this show of great support by the family.  The Jones Trust board and staff have worked very hard to expand our regional Quality of Life programs and services, and we are delighted to receive this important endorsement from the George family.  Their very generous gift to our Endowment Campaign considerably moves us towards our goal of financial sustainability,” said Ed Clifford, CEO of the Jones Trust.

Carl George, co-president of Georges Inc., presented the check on behalf of the George family.

“Springdale has been blessed by the vision of Harvey and Bernice Jones. Our family shares their vision, and is privileged to live and work in this community.  The Jones Center is dedicated to strengthening this community, and helping nurture the individuals and families that call NWA home,” George said.

The Jones Trust board has working for months to reach the full endowment campaign goal of $30 million and expects more special gift announcements in the coming months, said Kelly Kemp, chief advancement officer for the Jones Center.She said the expanded Jones Trust Board has approved a stringent spending policy limiting the organization to a 3% to 5% draw to ensure finances remain strong and healthy for many years to come.

Archie Shaffer III, a board member of the Jones Trust, thanked the George family for the contribution to the endowment.

“I know the George and Jones families were very close going back years and years in Springdale, and this is a wonderful tribute to that friendship. We are thrilled to have the George’s recognize the significance of The Jones Center’s contribution to the richness and quality of life in Springdale and Northwest Arkansas in this most meaningful way. Bernice Jones would be thrilled to see this happen today,” Shaffer said.