ADVOCATE HONORED

Helping the helpers

Alzheimer’s Arkansas recognizes advocate(s) at benefit

At a dinner in his honor on March 11 at Temple B’nai Israel, Advocate of the Year Bob Shell noted that an advocate is a person who pleads on another person’s behalf.

And on behalf of Alzheimer’s Arkansas, he continued to advocate when accepting the award, saying, “We need your help.”

The dinner was a fundraiser for sustaining and increasing The Phyllis Watkins Family Assistance Program Endowed Fund. An anonymous donor had promised to match every donation pledged that evening.

Shell began volunteering with the organization when his mother-in-law was diagnosed with the disease. “It’s a precious gift we’ve got - memories,” said Shell, explaining how frustrating and agonizing it is to have a loved one who doesn’t know who you are.

Shell said that Alzheimer’s Arkansas helps take care of - without cost to the client - Alzheimer’s caregivers, patients and their families and tries to ease their pain through the process. “Caregivers are the ones that suffer so much.”

The honoree was introduced by his son-in-law, Terral Gammill, who said that along with being genuine, trustworthy, generous and a dedicated family man, Shell is also determined. He explained that his father-in-law was instrumental in gaining new sponsorships for the nonprofit and would spend hours writing personal letters to donors.

Guests were welcomed to the dinner by executive director Elise Siegler, followed by special remarks by Sissy Clinton, board president. Event co-chairmen were Karen Baker and Christine Bailey.

High Profile, Pages 38 on 03/23/2014

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