< Foundation

ACH 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 grown to nearly 550 members who support the hospital through many fundraising efforts including A la Carte, Miracle Ball, Race for a Healthier Tomorrow, the Playaway Gift Shop, the ACHiever Program and Holiday Card Project featuring artwork by Arkansas Children's patients.

Contact the ACH Auxiliary at achauxiliary@archildrens.org to learn more about becoming a sponsor and champion for children.

ACH Auxiliary Events & Programs

The ACHiever program was initially designed for young women entering the ninth grade and has been ongoing in the community for the past 18 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 work to 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 move to 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, introducing them to a variety of wonderful medical careers, and encouraging the importance of philanthropy.

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

2021 Chair: Angie Johnson

You better bring a big appetite! The ACH Auxiliary spring fundraiser features tasty treats from more than 20 central Arkansas restaurants and caterers, and an extensive silent auction. A la Carte raises approximately $60,000 each year and usually draws more than 600 guests. The event is a great opportunity to get a "taste of Arkansas" while also having fun and raising money for the hospital.

2021 Chair: CeCe Martindale

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.

2020-2021 Chairs: Aimee and Michael Shelby

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 $500,000 annually.

2020-2021 Chair: Katharine Allen Adams

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.

2020-2021 Chair: Kristen Saffa

On Saturday, November 7 join us for a virtual 5k walk/run from anywhere in the state! Register now and start a fundraising team at http://support.archildrens.org/race.