The Arkansas Children's Hospital (ACH) Auxiliary announced a record-breaking donation of $1.55 million from its annual fundraising efforts over the past year. This contribution marks the 14th consecutive year the ACH Auxiliary has raised more than $1 million for the hospital, and it stands as the largest gift in the Auxiliary's 57-year history.
Sara Beth Hughes, president of the ACH Auxiliary, presented a check to Fred Scarborough, executive vice president and chief development officer for Arkansas Children's, during the Auxiliary's year-end celebration on May 21. The funds will be directed towards the hospital's largest-ever expansion project, which aims to enhance patient care and transform the campus experience.
"In December, we committed to raise $6.25 million to support the hospital's expansion," Hughes said. "This donation is a testament to our volunteers' dedication and hard work — volunteers who have tirelessly fundraised to make this possible. We are proud and excited to contribute to the growth and development of Arkansas Children's Hospital."
The $318 million, system-wide expansion project will focus on increasing bed capacity, improving inpatient and outpatient surgical approaches by adding an ambulatory surgery center, and redesigning clinical spaces to foster multidisciplinary care. These improvements will create a more accessible and inviting environment for patients and their families.
"From its humble beginnings as an orphanage in 1912 to its current status as a nationally acclaimed pediatric healthcare system, Arkansas Children's remains dedicated to improving child health," Scarborough said. "We are grateful for the support of volunteers and their work on behalf of the children of Arkansas and beyond. Since 1967, the ACH Auxiliary has been essential to the success and growth of Arkansas Children’s Hospital."
To learn more about the expansion project, visit archildrens.org/expansion.