Photography by Ebony Blevins
Kim & Chris Fowler
The bottom line is helping others; Kim and Chris Fowler believe it is as simple as that.
They both lovingly recall parents who motivated and inspired their love for service. Chris reveals, “They helped many people throughout their lives. I try to follow in their footsteps every day to ensure their legacy continues.” Echoing this sentiment, Kim reflects on her childhood in Lepanto, Arkansas. She affirms, “I am truly grateful for my upbringing. That small town helped to mold me into the person I am today.”
Today, they are philanthropists. Their involvement includes, but is not limited to: Arkansas Children’s, Winthrop P Rockefeller Cancer institute, American Cancer Society, University of Arkansas Libraries, and University of Central Arkansas. Additionally, the couple supports NEA Baptist where the Fowler Family Center for Cancer Care is located – home to the Kim and Chris Fowler Hope Circle. NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation Director of Development Robbie Johnson explains in a 2014 KAIT-8 segment, “Hope Circle is one of the five programs in the NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation. It’s the support arm that helps patients and their families when they’re going through that cancer diagnosis. It can be a very difficult time.”
Professionally, the couple has an equally impressive portfolio. Kim Fowler is a partner in Fabrik Boutiques and Local Wheel & Tire as well as a former partner in KFC/Taco Bell franchises. Currently, Chris Fowler is the president of Fowler Foods, Inc., and president of TFI, Inc. He admits the most rewarding aspect of business and philanthropy is helping organizations turn dreams into new services for patients, students or clients. Chris believes this is possible “through donations into scholarships or into services to help people heal and achieve to become the best they can be.”
They remind their blended family of six children, and two grandchildren, that every gift counts – regardless of size. Kim adds, “Anytime a need or questions arises, we try to support, even if it is just an ear to listen’ Chris ends by saying, “Kim and I truly try to live by what is taught in Luke 6:38, ‘Give and it shall be given to you.’ We have been very blessed and want to help when and where we can.”
