ACH Auxiliary

The ACHiever program was initially designed for young women entering the ninth grade and has been ongoing in the community for the past 19 years. With its success, in 2018, the program grew to offer an ACHiever program for young men. This program is sponsored by the Arkansas Children's Hospital's Auxiliary, a group of volunteers who raise funds and awareness for ACH. Today, any ninth-grade student can apply to the program!

This year, due to COVID19, the ACHiever Program will be a virtual education and volunteer program.

Despite the pandemic, our goal remains the same with this essential program: to expose young women and men to Arkansas Children's Hospital, introduce them to various wonderful medical careers, and encourage the importance of philanthropy.

ACHiever participants will also earn community service hours through these online educational sessions and volunteering through a variety of opportunities we will offer throughout the year.

Apply for the program

2022 Chair: Frances Mitchell

A la Carte, hosted by the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, raises over $100,000 annually to make the children of our state better today and healthier tomorrow. Mark your calendars for April 1-10, 2022, and prepare to enjoy a premier silent auction and Restaurant Week to TASTE & TOAST OUR TOWN!

Due to COVID-19, we will not gather in person this year, however, we know that the children of Arkansas, need you now, more than ever.

This year, you will peruse an online premier silent auction and with a special ACH Auxiliary a la Carte token, you’ll receive a discount on orders from local restaurants and beverage locations throughout central Arkansas!

2022 Chair: Brooke Hicks

Since the hospital first opened its doors in 1912, patients have been using markers, pencils, crayons and glue to create beautiful artwork. In 1968, the ACH Auxiliary decided to share patient art with others by selling holiday cards, each featuring original artwork created by an Arkansas Children's patient. The Holiday Card Project has grown over the years, and now includes gift tags, such as ornaments, pencil pouches and cups.

The annual patient art contest runs from September—March.

This year, we raised over $80,000 benefiting the ACH Auxiliary funding priorities. Thank you to everyone who made this year such a success!

In 2006, the ACH Auxiliary teamed up with the Arkansas Children's Foundation to host Miracle Ball, its first black-tie fundraiser for the hospital. At this annual event, guests celebrate the joys of the holiday season and the miracles that happen every day at ACH. Miracle Ball has become the signature event of the social season in Central Arkansas, raising more than $800,000 annually.

The 2021 Matching Fund Drive and Online Auction raised over $848,000! Thank you to our sponsors and community supporters for your generosity. Congratulations to Mary Olive Stephens, our winner of the lucky winner of the beautiful diamond necklace and earrings set generously donated by Jones & Son Fine Jewelry!

2021-2022 Chair: Kristen Saffa

The Playaway Gift Shop is one of the oldest fundraising projects of the ACH Auxiliary. Playaway has grown from a rolling book cart to a 3,000 square-foot store prominently located in the ACH lobby. The gift shop is staffed by full-time employees, but Auxiliary members volunteer their time selling candy, wrapping gifts and sharing hugs with weary patients and family members. But most importantly, they raise funds to support the hospital.

Playaway Gift Shop

2021-2022 Chair: Neal Lea

On Saturday, April 23, 2022, the ACH Auxiliary and community volunteers will host a family-friendly timed 5k race and Family Walk.

Arkansans from all four corners can participate in the physical race, as a virtual runner or with a personal online fundraising page.  All ages and physical levels are encouraged to participate. Register now and start a fundraising team at http://support.archildrens.org/race.