Robin and Gary George and Family Give $1 Million to Arkansas Children’s Hospital

LITTLE ROCK, AR (April 4, 2025) - Robin and Gary George and family have generously donated $1 million toward Arkansas Children’s Hospital’s historic expansion project. This investment will enhance subspecialty care access for children across the region, reinforcing the George family’s commitment to championing pediatric health care in Arkansas.

For over four decades, the George family has played a pivotal role in advancing Arkansas Children’s system of care. In 2015, their generosity helped make Arkansas Children’s Northwest (ACNW) a reality through a land donation of 37.5 acres in Springdale from the families of Robin and Gary George and David and Cathy (George) Evans. The George family advocated for ACNW and promoted the new hospital, helping expand the philanthropic community. In 2016, the family furthered their commitment with an additional $1 million gift toward ACNW’s construction, recognized through the naming of the Robin George Chapel at ACNW.

With their latest $1 million contribution to Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH), Robin and Gary George are again ensuring families have access to expert, compassionate care when they need it most. In recognition of their generosity, the chapel on the ACH campus in Little Rock will also be named the Robin George Chapel — a tribute to the family’s unwavering belief in the power of faith, healing and hope.

A Personal Connection to Arkansas Children’s

The George family’s journey with Arkansas Children’s began more than four decades ago when their son received life-saving emergency care, including heart surgery, at ACH.

“Throughout the years, at times of concern for family or children of friends, the chapel at Arkansas Children’s Hospital has been a source of great comfort,” said Robin George. “I met families from across the region who were also praying for children being served. I know firsthand how vital pastoral care is for families facing an uncertain diagnosis, and I know Arkansas Children’s gives families hope when they need it most.”

This deeply personal experience ignited Robin, Gary and their family’s commitment to ensuring all children in Arkansas and the region have access to expert pediatric care.

A Lasting Impact on Arkansas Children’s Mission

"We are honored to call the Georges friends and partners," said Fred Scarborough, executive vice president and chief development officer at Arkansas Children's. “They understand that the entire system of care forms a safety net for children. Their generous gift to support the expansion of Arkansas Children’s Hospital exemplifies their dedication to the mission of providing exceptional care to children across the region, and not only enhances our ability to deliver critical services but also strengthens the work between Springdale and Little Rock.”

The George family’s philanthropic vision is deeply aligned with Arkansas Children’s commitment to ensuring more families receive the care they need close to home.

“We need every part of Arkansas Children’s to be the very best — the best in Little Rock, in Springdale, in Jonesboro and in Pine Bluff,” said Gary George. “It is an honor to support the mission of Arkansas Children’s. This gift to Arkansas Children’s Hospital reflects our deep gratitude and unwavering belief that every child should have access to the highest level of pediatric specialty care. Arkansas Children’s delivers that every day.”

Gary George serves on the Arkansas Children’s Inc. and Arkansas Children’s Northwest Boards of Directors and was a founding member of the ACNW Board of Directors. Robin George is a dedicated member of the Arkansas Children’s Foundation Board of Directors.

Meeting the Growing Needs of Arkansas Children’s

With the unwavering support of donors like the George family, Arkansas Children’s remains committed to making children better today and healthier tomorrow.

In fiscal year 2024 (July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024), Arkansas Children’s served 180,000 children — more children than ever before — and the need for services continues to grow. The $318 million expansion across Arkansas Children’s focuses on delivering better access, exceptional outcomes and improved on-campus experiences at the state’s nationally ranked pediatric health system.

From its founding as an orphanage in 1912 to becoming a nationally acclaimed health care system, Arkansas Children’s has remained steadfast in its commitment to being a champion for children. To learn more about the expansion, visit archildrens.org/expansion. To support Arkansas Children's growth, visit archildrens.org/donate or call 800-880-7491 today.

ABOUT ARKANSAS CHILDREN’S

Arkansas Children's is the only health care system in the state solely dedicated to caring for Arkansas' 850,000 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); 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 (2024-2025): Cancer, Cardiology & Heart Surgery, Neonatal Care, Nephrology, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Orthopedics and Pulmonology & Lung Surgery. 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 25-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.

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