George Family Donates $1 Million To Jones Center

The George family, well-known in Arkansas poultry circles, has made a $1 million pledge to the Jones Center endowment fund.

The gift announcement was made on Thursday.

The Jones Center is a recreation and education center located in downtown Springdale. The facility is known for affordable recreation services, innovative youth programming and community meeting and conference space. The center includes two indoor swimming pools, an indoor ice rink, gymnasium, fitness center, conference center, auditorium/chapel and numerous classrooms.

George’s Inc. is a fourth generation, Springdale-based fully integrated poultry company.

“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,” said Ed Clifford, president and CEO of the Jones Center. “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.”

The Jones Trust board is currently working on an endowment campaign goal amount of $30 million and says more announcements are planned throughout the year.

“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,” said George’s Inc. co-president and CEO Carl George. “The Jones Center is dedicated to strengthening this community, and helping nurture the individuals and families that call Northwest Arkansas home.”