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(C) 2009 John William Pope Foundation

In 2009, Art Pope received The Roe Award, an annual tribute to an individual within the state public policy movement whose achievements have greatly advanced the free market philosophy.  Here are some highlights of Art’s acceptance speech.

John William Pope believed that a hard work ethic was key to success.  He exemplified this by taking 5 discount-variety stores started by his father, James Pope, and turning them into Variety Wholesalers, Inc. -- a business legacy in North Carolina that continues to flourish today.  Variety Wholesalers, Inc. became the source of the family’s charitable dollars, making the John William Pope Foundation possible.  The foundation was created to protect and advance the liberties of the people of North Carolina so that they could have the same opportunity as John William Pope, the freedom to create wealth to the benefit of all.  The foundation makes grants geared toward influencing society to foster more success stories like John William Pope’s.

He, with his wife, Jo

y, raised three children: John Pope, Jr., (died 2004), Amanda Pope, and James “Art” Pope.  Joy, Amanda, Art, and long-time family friend, David Stover, all serve on the Pope Foundation board.  Following John William Pope’s death in 2006, Art became Chairman and CEO of Variety Wholesalers, Inc.  Art is also the Chairman and President of the John William Pope Foundation.  He and the board continue to carry on the legacy and vision of John William Pope through the philanthropy of the Pope Foundation.

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