Arkansas Children’s Hospital Auxiliary Announces $6.25M Commitment to Support Historic Expansion and Renovation

(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) December 11, 2023 – The Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) Auxiliary has committed $6.25 million in support of the hospital’s largest-ever expansion. ACH Auxiliary president Sara Beth Hughes made the announcement at the 18th annual Miracle Ball held Dec. 9 at Children’s Hall on the ACH campus.

“The Arkansas Children’s Hospital Auxiliary has been proud to support this amazing hospital for more than half a century,” Hughes said. “The gift is not just a number; it is a symbol of unwavering commitment to invest in ACH as we embark on a historic expansion plan that will deliver better access and an improved patient experience. Together, we’re building a healthier tomorrow for the next generation.”

In May 2023, Arkansas Children’s announced a $318 million investment for new construction and renovations at ACH in Little Rock and Arkansas Children’s Northwest in Springdale. The 2023 Miracle Ball, a shared project of the ACH Auxiliary and Arkansas Children’s Foundation, raised $1.03 million toward the new $6.25 million commitment to expansion efforts.

“We are extremely grateful for the ACH Auxiliary and this year's Miracle Ball chairs, Tiffany and Daniel Robinson," said Fred Scarborough, executive vice president and chief development officer for Arkansas Children's. "The Auxiliary's substantial commitment underscores the pivotal role members play in making Arkansas a healthier, safer place to be a child, and the Robinsons have most certainly demonstrated a deep passion for philanthropy and volunteering."

In fiscal year 2023 (July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023), Arkansas Children’s served 170,000 children — more children than ever before — and the need for services continues to grow. The 8-year expansion project focuses on delivering better access, exceptional outcomes and improved on-campus experiences at the state’s nationally-ranked pediatric health system.

“We’re building an easier-to-navigate campus, bright, beautiful spaces, and more elements of discovery and delight,” said Arkansas Children’s President and CEO Marcy Doderer, FACHE. “This is part of our dream of making a healthier tomorrow for the children of Arkansas. It is becoming a reality because we live in a dedicated and philanthropic community that is passionate about pediatric health. We truly appreciate your relentless support.”

The Arkansas Children's Foundation and the ACH Auxiliary are grateful for the 2023 Miracle Ball presenting sponsors: Barbara/Jean & Cindy & Chip Murphy; Jones & Son Diamond & Bridal Fine Jewelry; and Lexicon. Also announced at the event, Boots and Alan Warrick demonstrated extraordinary generosity by increasing their premier sponsorship with a tribute gift in honor of Dr. Brian Reemtsen, director of the Arkansas Children's Hospital Heart Institute, raising their total support to $100,000.

ABOUT ARKANSAS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL AUXILIARY

The Arkansas Children's Hospital Auxiliary, a member of the Arkansas Hospital Auxiliary Association, is a separate 501(c)(3) organization serving patients and families through fundraising and service projects. Founded in 1967, the Auxiliary has more than 500 members who support the hospital through many fundraising efforts including a la Carte, Miracle Ball, Race for a Healthier Tomorrow, Playaway Gift Shop, ACHiever program and Holiday Card Project. To learn more, visit archildrens.org/auxiliary.

ABOUT ARKANSAS CHILDREN’S

Arkansas Children's is the only health care system in the state solely dedicated to caring for Arkansas' more than 700,000 children. The private, non-profit organization includes two pediatric hospitals, a pediatric research institute and USDA nutrition center, a philanthropic foundation, a nursery alliance, statewide clinics, and many education and outreach programs — all focused on fulfilling a promise to define and deliver unprecedented child health. Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) is a 336-bed, Magnet-recognized facility in Little Rock operating the state’s only Level I pediatric trauma center; the state's only burn center; the state's only Level IV neonatal intensive care unit; the state's only pediatric intensive care unit; the state’s only pediatric surgery program with Level 1 verification from the American College of Surgeons (ACS); the state’s only magnetoencephalography (MEG) system for neurosurgical planning and cutting-edge research; and the state's only nationally recognized pediatric transport program. Arkansas Children’s is nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report in seven pediatric subspecialties (2023—2024): Cancer, Cardiology & Heart Surgery, Diabetes & Endocrinology, Nephrology, Orthopedics, Pulmonology and Urology. Arkansas Children’s Northwest (ACNW), the first and only pediatric hospital in the Northwest Arkansas region, is a level IV pediatric trauma center. ACNW operates a 24-bed inpatient unit; a surgical unit with five operating rooms; outpatient clinics offering over 20 subspecialties; diagnostic services; imaging capabilities; occupational therapy services; and Northwest Arkansas' only pediatric emergency department, equipped with 30 exam rooms. Generous philanthropic and volunteer engagement has sustained Arkansas Children's since it began as an orphanage in 1912, and today ensures the system can deliver on its promise of unprecedented child health. To learn more, visit archildrens.org.