Dawn and Brad Schultz, owners of Jack’s Package Store in Mountain Home, were honored on Thursday, October 22, with the Baxter County Library Foundation’s 2026 Excellence in Community Engagement Award. The recognition highlights the couple’s extensive support of the public library and their positive impact on the local community.
Library Director Kim Crow Sheaner noted that the Schultzes were reluctant to give a speech at the ceremony, playfully remarking that they spent the week brainstorming ways to avoid public speaking. Instead, the couple stood quietly as Foundation President Shonda Litty praised their generosity and low-profile approach to giving.
“Their spirit of giving touches essential causes across our community,” Litty said. The foundation’s award celebrates businesses or organizations that foster meaningful partnerships and community growth, with the Schultzes becoming only the second recipients. Litty emphasized how the couple’s influence extends beyond the library, citing their contributions to the Humane Society, local food bank, and annual ARKtoberfest as examples of their broader civic involvement.
The Schultzes, originally from Sharp County, moved to Mountain Home in 2012. Brad Schultz works as an emergency room physician at Baxter Health, and the couple purchased Jack’s Package Store in 2018. Since then, they have expanded their local ventures to include Stories Whiskey Bar, The Space, and the Lofts at 808.
Their relationship with the library foundation began the same year they bought the store, when Jack’s became a sponsor of the foundation’s Pub Night, a homebrew competition and fundraiser. Although COVID-19 put an end to Pub Night, the Schultzes’ support persisted. Crow Sheaner highlighted this consistency, explaining that the couple stepped in as lead sponsors for Wrap It Up for the Library, the foundation’s major year-end fundraising campaign. Over time, their cumulative donations placed them in the Anna J. Ward Legacy Circle for giving amounts between $25,000 and $49,999.
In addition to financial contributions, Dawn Schultz has dedicated her personal time to the foundation by joining its advisory board in 2024 and becoming a trustee this year. Serving on the nominating and facilities use committees and attending events like the monthly Ales and Tales book readings, Dawn brought her lifelong passion for libraries to her role.
“Dawn lights up when she talks about her memories of libraries as a child,” Crow Sheaner said, recalling how Dawn’s mother regularly brought her to the nearest library in Batesville. Dawn Schultz has often expressed that her motivation for supporting libraries stems from their accessibility to everyone, regardless of age, race, or economic status. Libraries, she believes, provide lifelong opportunities and serve as a constant resource through all stages of life and across generations.
The award ceremony also recognized other community leaders for their support of the library, including Sonny Sharp, who received the Distinguished Service Award, and Beth and Jess VanderStek, who were honored with the Heart of the Library Award. The evening concluded with the unveiling of the library’s updated donor wall in the foyer, showcasing the contributions of the Schultzes and others who have bolstered the foundation’s mission.
“We are extraordinarily lucky to have Dawn and Brad as neighbors and friends in Mountain Home,” Litty said. “Their steadfast support of the library and our community sets a wonderful example for us all.”