The 2021 Miracle Ball Matching Fund Drive, a shared project of Arkansas Children’s Hospital Auxiliary and Arkansas Children’s Foundation, raised more than $848,000 benefiting Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
With safety as a top priority amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s event moved from an in-person gala to an online matching fund drive, raffle, and silent auction. This shift would not have been possible without Arkansas Children’s community of generous supporters and their passion for child health.
Local philanthropists Jacqueline and Michael Retzer matched every donation, dollar-for-dollar up to $250,000.
“We are grateful for the unyielding commitment of the donors that made this year’s event possible to benefit the children of Arkansas and beyond,” said Fred Scarborough, president of Arkansas Children’s Foundation. “The Auxiliary’s passion for Arkansas Children’s is inspiring. Their efforts ensure the possibility of a healthier tomorrow for the vulnerable children served every day at the David M. Clark Center for Safe and Healthy Children.”
Members of the ACH Auxiliary support Arkansas Children’s programs by volunteering their time and generating statewide donations. Fueled almost entirely by philanthropy with the Auxiliary as one of its leadership donors, the David M. Clark Center for Safe and Healthy Children offers medical, advocacy, and mental health services for children who have suffered maltreatment, all under one roof. Each year an estimated 30,000 children are abused or neglected in Arkansas and, unfortunately, the mounting familial stress surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic has only magnified the problem.
The online matching fund drive, which ran from Dec. 1-11, coincided with a silent auction and was followed by a raffle drawing for the winner of a signature collection 17-inch, 18 carat white gold necklace, including 83 diamonds totaling 29.7 carats, and two carat total weight diamond earrings donated by Jones & Son Diamond & Bridal Fine Jewelry.
“The Arkansas Children’s Hospital Auxiliary has been proud to support Arkansas Children’s Hospital for more than 50 years,” said Ashley Parker, president of the ACH Auxiliary. “The past two years have brought many challenges, but now, more than ever, we are so grateful for the continued support of Miracle Ball’s sponsors, donors, and patrons. The fundraising we do helps Arkansas Children’s mission of making children better today and healthier tomorrow.”
A special thank you to matching fund drive sponsors, Jacqueline and Michael Retzer; presenting sponsor Jones & Son Diamond & Bridal Fine Jewelry; premier sponsors Compass One Healthcare; Mr. and Mrs. Steve Davison; and Terri and Chuck Erwin; to Arvest for sponsoring this year’s silent auction; and to our partnering sponsors: Arthur J. Gallagher & Company; Hank’s Fine Furniture; Cassie and Jason LaFrance; Lexicon, Inc.; Nabholz Construction; Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects; University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences; Cappy and Charlie Whiteside; and The Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation.
Founded in 1967, the ACH Auxiliary raises funds through annual initiatives, including the Holiday Card Project, Miracle Ball, Arkansas á la Carte, ACHievers, Playaway Gift Shop, and the Race for a Healthier Tomorrow. The funds received by the ACH Auxiliary support programs and services, including child abuse and prevention services, Arkansas Children’s Research Institute, and the Palliative Care Program.
With nearly 450 members, the ACH Auxiliary has championed children for 54 years in the pursuit of a healthier tomorrow for children of Arkansas and beyond. If you would like more information about the ACH Auxiliary, or would like to become a member, visit archildrens.org/auxiliary.