Outstanding Philanthropists
By Renarda A. Williams | Photography by Rett Peek | Makeup by Thunder Crump with Face Your Day Salon
Bob Shell, chairman emeritus of Baldwin & Shell Construction Co., grew up in a hard working family where faith was instilled in him. Giving back to his faith, to his family and to Arkansas remains his mission. “God has blessed us in many ways and we decided to give gifts on a larger scale that help the community,” Bob notes.
Bob and his wife, Ginny, have always had generous spirits, particularly in the fields of education and healthcare. They have made numerous significant gifts to Baptist Health – establishing the Ginny and Bob Shell Alzheimer’s Center, purchasing the first robotics surgical center at Baptist Health, naming the Ginny Shell Cafeteria at Baptist Health and endowing a financial assistance program for caregivers of loved ones with dementia.
Family values are paramount to the Shells. As a volunteer at Alzheimer’s Arkansas, Bob created the Family Assistance Program to financially support caregivers outside CareLink’s region for respite care, safety home improvement and other needs. “I’ve witnessed Bob’s gift giving when he thought he was making a gift anonymously, although I would never reveal his name,” notes Alzheimer’s Arkansas Director of Development Carrie Wilson.
As an iconic civic leader and businessman, Bob continues to encourage colleagues to make contributions within their community. “God has been true to his word because the more we gave, the more he provided,” Bob explains. “We intend to keep giving in the future.”
