Little Rock, Arkansas – In a moving celebration of dedication and community spirit, the Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) Auxiliary announced a monumental $8 million commitment to support the largest expansion in the hospital’s history. During its annual year-end celebration on Tuesday, the Auxiliary handed over a $1.65 million check—just one installment in their record-breaking pledge.
The check presentation was made by Brooke Hicks, president of the ACH Auxiliary, to Fred Scarborough, Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer of Arkansas Children’s. Standing before a room filled with supporters, staff, and volunteers, Hicks praised the collective effort that led to this milestone.
“This donation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our volunteers over the last year—volunteers who have tirelessly fundraised to make this record-breaking gift possible,” Hicks said. “We are also extremely proud to announce the Auxiliary’s commitment of $8 million to support this vital expansion of ACH. This wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of our community, sponsors and volunteers.”
The Auxiliary, founded in 1967, has played a pivotal role in helping Arkansas Children’s evolve into one of the state’s most critical healthcare institutions. With nearly six decades of continuous service, the volunteer-led organization has helped raise millions to support programs and infrastructure that directly benefit the health and wellbeing of Arkansas’ youngest residents.
The current expansion—estimated at $318 million—marks the most ambitious development in the hospital’s history. Designed to meet the needs of a rapidly growing patient population, the project focuses on improving access to care, enhancing patient outcomes, and creating a more family-centered experience on the ACH campus.
According to hospital officials, the 2024 fiscal year saw Arkansas Children’s serve a record-breaking 180,000 young patients from across the state and region. The need for pediatric care continues to rise, particularly in rural communities where specialty services remain limited.
“We are grateful for the support of volunteers and their work on behalf of the children of Arkansas and the entire region,” said Scarborough. “Since 1967, the ACH Auxiliary has been essential to the success and growth of Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Volunteer fundraisers play a vital role in supporting the Arkansas Children’s mission to champion children by making them better today and healthier tomorrow.”
Founded in 1912 as an orphanage, Arkansas Children’s has grown into the only pediatric health system in the state, with campuses in Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas. The hospital’s mission extends beyond clinical care, encompassing advocacy, research, and education aimed at improving the lives of children for generations to come.
As construction continues on the expansion, the $8 million pledge from the Auxiliary is expected to have a lasting impact—not just on buildings and equipment, but on every child who walks through the hospital’s doors.
“This is about more than bricks and mortar,” Hicks said. “It’s about hope, healing, and building a better future for every child in Arkansas.”
