The Faulkner County Community Foundation, an affiliate of Arkansas Community Foundation, announced the 2023 winners of the Jerry B. Adams Excellence in Philanthropy Awards at its Celebrating Philanthropy annual event.
The Jerry B. Adams Excellence in Philanthropy Award recognizes a significant and enduring commitment to philanthropy through direct philanthropic support, service that supports charitable causes, or other philanthropic initiatives to improve people’s lives in Faulkner County.
“We created this award to honor Jerry Adams and to recognize others in our community who devoted a lifetime of service and giving” Lesley Graybeal, chairperson of the Faulkner County affiliate board, said.
This year’s recipients are Claudia and Milton Davis, Linda Linn and William “Bill” Roberts.
Claudia and Milton Davis have a lifetime of service to local nonprofits and established endowments to support First United Methodist Church of Conway, Conway Regional Medical Center, United Way of Central Arkansas, UCA’s College of Business, Will Counts Journalism Scholarship and one for general support.
Linda Linn’s life and work exemplify a deep-rooted commitment to serving others and making a positive difference in her community. Her philanthropic endeavors and selfless dedication have touched the lives of countless individuals, leaving a legacy of compassion and generosity for generations to come.
Bill Roberts’ philanthropy has spanned a wide range of organizations, including endowments supporting Arkansas Hospice, education, and Arkansas Community Foundation. He has also contributed to Heifer International, Hendrix College, the UCA Foundation, St. Joseph Schools, Arkansas Preschool Plus and more. In addition to his donations, Bill served on the Conway Interfaith Clinic and the Faulkner County Affiliate board of directors, lending his expertise and time whenever needed.
Linda Linn – A lifetime of generosity, community leadership
Linda Linn’s journey began on a dairy farm in Bee Branch, where she and her husband Danny spent their childhood and attended South Side Schools. In 1965, they tied the knot, and as they traversed the Cadron Flats, they made a playful agreement that the first mention of buying a cow would be grounds for immediate divorce, no questions asked. Little did they know that their life together would be marked by a profound dedication to helping people in their community.
Linda’s career path led her to become a social worker for the Arkansas Department of Social Services until 1972. For the subsequent nine years, she played a crucial role at the Community Action Program of Central Arkansas, serving as a social worker and later as the director of Head Start and Migrant Head Start programs.
Throughout her life, Linda has been deeply involved in various community organizations and initiatives, making a lasting impact on the lives of many. Her list of involvements includes: Conway Noon Rotary Club, Ellen Smith Parent Teacher Organization, Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Central Arkansas, Boys and Girls Club, Community Foundation of Faulkner County, Conway Regional Health Foundation, Faulkner County Historical Society, United Way of Central Arkansas, Conway Symphony Orchestra, Women’s Foundation of Arkansas, Conway Committee of 100, Conway Christian Foundation Board, Blue Ribbon Committee for Conway, UCA Business Advisory Committee, Bethlehem House, Bookcase for Every Child Committee, and the Arkansas for Jobs and Affordable Energy Committee.
In 1990, Linda and Danny were among a group of visionary Conway businesspeople who united to establish First Community Bank, which later became known as First Security—a thriving local bank with a significant presence across Arkansas.
Linda’s contributions to society have not gone unnoticed, as she has received numerous awards and recognitions. Among these accolades are a Paul Harris Fellowship in 1993, the Sam Walton Business Leader Award in 1996, and being named as one of Arkansas Business Top 100 Women for 1997-98. Additionally, she was honored with the Conway Rotary Club Vocational Service Business Award and the Good Neighbor Award of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce in 1999, followed by the Chamber’s Distinguished Service Award in 2002. Linda and Danny’s alma mater, South Side High School, recognized their significant achievements by naming them distinguished alumni in 2000.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Linda is a devoted family person. She and Danny share two children, Susan McCoy (Ric) and Christy Priester (Eric), and their love extends to five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Linda Linn’s life and work exemplify a deep-rooted commitment to serving others and making a positive difference in her community. Her philanthropic endeavors and selfless dedication have touched the lives of countless individuals, leaving a legacy of compassion and generosity for generations to come.
Dr. William ‘Bill’ Roberts – A lifetime of healing, giving
For nearly half a century, Dr. William “Bill” Roberts practiced internal medicine in Conway, leaving an indelible mark on the community he served. Alongside his beloved wife Betty, Bill demonstrated a deep commitment to causes addressing racial equity in education and access to healthcare, often making these contributions anonymously. Their philanthropic focus was on supporting programs that emphasized prevention and early intervention, recognizing the importance of proactive measures in creating a better society.
Bill’s spirit of giving was evident in a wide range of endowments and donations that supported numerous organizations and causes. Among the beneficiaries were Arkansas Hospice, education initiatives, and the Arkansas Community Foundation. The couple’s generosity also extended to:
Kids Life and Money Scholarship Program.
United Way of Central Arkansas.
Pine Street Community Development Corporation.
Beyond his financial contributions, Bill actively participated in various community efforts. He served on the board of directors for the Conway Interfaith Clinic, where his experience and medical expertise proved invaluable in establishing and sustaining the clinic’s operations, providing healthcare to those in need.
As a dedicated advocate for community causes, Bill became a longstanding board member of the Arkansas Community Foundation Faulkner County affiliate. His unwavering commitment to service was evident in his willingness to step up whenever needed, whether it was serving on committees, presenting checks, or assisting with various tasks.
Dr. William “Bill” Roberts’ life exemplifies the true meaning of healing and giving. His five decades of medical practice touched countless lives, and his philanthropic endeavors have had a profound impact on education, healthcare, and underserved communities. Alongside his wife Betty, he quietly and humbly devoted himself to creating positive change in the world. Their legacy of compassion and generosity will continue to inspire others to follow in their footsteps, carrying forward their mission of building a more equitable and caring society for generations to come.
About Arkansas Community Foundation
Arkansas Community Foundation, a statewide nonprofit organization, provides resources, insight and inspiration to build better Arkansas communities – communities where our kids will want to raise their kids. The Community Foundation is the largest grantmaker in the state in the number of grants made each year. Since 1976, the Foundation has provided more than $393 million to nonprofits. The Foundation staff works directly with donors, professional advisors and nonprofits to help strengthen Arkansas communities through strategic philanthropy and focusing on local needs. Its assets rank among the top 60 out of more than 800 community foundations in the United States. Serving statewide and local initiatives, the Community Foundation helps connect those who want to give to causes they care about. Contributions to Arkansas Community Foundation, its funds and any of its 29 affiliates are fully tax deductible.
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