Arkansas Whiskey Community Rallies Around George Shanley Through Benevolent Barrel Thief Charity Raffle

Last Updated on December 18, 2025 by 5e2793

On December 6, 2024, the Arkansas whiskey community once again showed why it’s more than just a shared appreciation for great pours—it’s a family.

Henry Turner shared news on the Benevolent Barrel Thief (BBT) Facebook page about a deeply personal and meaningful charity raffle organized to support George Shanley and his family as they face a difficult road ahead following George’s cancer diagnosis.

A Pillar of the Whiskey Community

Although George now resides in Indiana, his impact on the Arkansas whiskey scene remains unmistakable. Known for his generosity, friendship, and constant willingness to help others track down a unicorn bottle or simply share a pour and a conversation, George has long been considered a cornerstone of the community.

Whether checking in on a friend’s day or going out of his way to help someone else succeed, George embodies the spirit that makes the Arkansas whiskey community special.

A Community-Driven Effort

The raffle was spearheaded by Abe Wyly, who helped mobilize the whiskey community to provide meaningful financial support for George, his wife Laura, and their three children. What began as a grassroots effort quickly grew into something much larger, with an overwhelming number of bottle donations pouring in from across the community.

Due to the scale of generosity, organizers partnered with The Benevolent Barrel Thief, whose leadership and nonprofit experience helped elevate the raffle into a fully supported charity event.

Over 50 Bottles Donated — And Counting

More than 50 whiskey bottles were donated by members of the whiskey community for this raffle, with additional details being cataloged at the time of the announcement. A full list of donated bottles, raffle instructions, donation details, and pricing per raffle spot were slated to be released shortly after the post.

All proceeds from the raffle are dedicated entirely to supporting the Shanley family as they navigate the challenges ahead.

Pickup Locations Across Central Arkansas

Bottle pickup for raffle winners will take place throughout Central Arkansas, including:

• Cabot
• Conway
• North Little Rock
• Little Rock
• Hot Springs

This wide pickup footprint ensures accessibility for participants throughout the region.

Gratitude and Acknowledgments

Special thanks were extended to those who played key roles in bringing the raffle together:

• Abe Wyly – for leading the effort and handling the lion’s share of the work
• Alan Myers, Britton Marshall, and Tyler Shinabery – for partnering with the raffle through Benevolent Barrel Thief
• Every member of the whiskey community who donated bottles or participated in the event

For questions regarding the raffle, participants were encouraged to reach out directly to Abe Wyly or Henry Turner.

More Than Whiskey

This charity raffle stands as another powerful example of what makes the Arkansas whiskey community unique. Beyond barrel picks and rare bottles, it’s the people—and the willingness to step up when one of their own needs help—that truly define it.

ArkansasLiquor.com will continue to spotlight moments like these, where whiskey becomes a vehicle for generosity, compassion, and real impact.

Update from Central Arkansas Bourbon and Banter

January 22, 2025
Posted by Henry Turner

@everyone
As many of you know, we ran a raffle to support George Shanley and his family during his treatment for cancer.

Unfortunately, the world lost one of the best last night, and George will be missed forever. He was a friend, father, mentor, and an all-around great guy who would do anything for you.

Please keep his family in your prayers and have a pour for him today. If you have a story or picture you want to share about George, we would love that.

We will share funeral arrangements when available.