Donnie Pendergraft honored for philanthropic history

story and photos by Linda Kaufenberg
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Long-time community benefactor Donnie Pendergraft was named Philanthropist of the Year by the Fort Smith Area Community Foundation, with monetary donation in her honor going to the Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House.

"I am humbled and honored to receive this award. I would like to recognize my husband Ross for his hard work and leadership. It is because of him we are able to do to help others who are in need,” Pendergraft said during a Tuesday night ceremony at the Hardscrabble Country Club in Fort Smith.

Ross Pendergraft retired from Donrey Media Group in 1994 as the executive vice president and chief operating officer of the national media company. He began his career with Donald Reynolds as an advertising executive in 1948 with the Times Record in Fort Smith. Ross Pendergraft died in May 1998 at the age of 72.
 
In addition to donating Pendergraft Park in downtown Fort Smith and its permanent upkeep to the city of Fort Smith, the Pendergraft family has supported many other area charities, especially related to the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith.

"Only four others have been named Philanthropist of the Year by the Fort Smith Area Community Foundation — Mark Rumsey, Rollie Boreham, Robert Hernreich and H.L. Hembree," said Harold MacDowell, board chairman of the Fort Smith affiliate of the Arkansas Community Foundation. "It’s an honor that is not bestowed every year, just when it is deserving."

Dr. Marta Loyd, vice chancellor of UAFS, said, "Everyday more of Donnie’s beautiful spirit is revealed to me not only what she says but also what she does."

Loyd went on to say that giving and philanthropy are parts of Donnie’s life.

"At UAFS, 90 students have been helped over the years with her scholarships,” Loyd explained.

Mayor Ray Baker said "all of Fort Smith honors you. You are a wonderful person who has influenced the quality of life in Fort Smith." As is tradition, Mayor Baker showered Pendergraft with rose petals and gave her a bouquet and a plaque from the city.
 
The Fort Smith Area Community Foundation is one of 27 local offices of the Arkansas Community Foundation which manages endowment funds, makes grants to non-profits and helps solve community problems. This year they awarded grants to 15 Sebastian County nonprofits in the first of two annual grant cycles. 

“The Arkansas Community Foundation was formed in 1976 as an advocate for all communities in Arkansas. Today the organization has endowments of $127 million and the income is used to benefit non profits," explained  David Johnson, vice president of Community Investments for ACF. "Last year $6.7 million was distributed among the 27 affiliates."