The Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) Auxiliary in the US has pledged $6.25m towards the hospital’s expansion, which is said to be the largest in its history.

ACH Auxiliary president Sara Beth Hughes announced this contribution at the 18th annual Miracle Ball held on 9 December.

In May 2023, Arkansas Children’s Hospital unveiled a $318m investment plan for construction and renovation at both ACH in Little Rock and Arkansas Children’s Northwest in Springdale.

The 2023 Miracle Ball, a joint effort by the ACH Auxiliary and Arkansas Children’s Foundation, raised $1.03m towards this $6.25m contribution.

In the fiscal year 2023, Arkansas Children’s served 170,000 children.

The eight-year expansion aims to enhance access, outcomes, and on-campus experiences.

This project includes $100,000 support from Boots and Alan Warrick in honour of Dr. Brian Reemtsen, director of the Arkansas Children's Hospital Heart Institute.

Arkansas Children’s president and CEO Marcy Doderer said: “We’re building an easier-to-navigate campus, bright, beautiful spaces, and more elements of discovery and delight.

“This is part of our dream of making a healthier tomorrow for the children of Arkansas.

“It is becoming a reality because we live in a dedicated and philanthropic community that is passionate about paediatric health. We truly appreciate your relentless support.”

Established in 1967, the Arkansas Children's Hospital Auxiliary is a member of the Arkansas Hospital Auxiliary Association.

With over 500 members, the Auxiliary focuses on fundraising and service projects to support patients and families at Arkansas Children's Hospital (ACH).

Its initiatives include events like a la Carte, Miracle Ball, and Race for a Healthier Tomorrow, as well as programmes like Playaway Gift Shop, ACHiever, and the Holiday Card Project.

Arkansas Children's is the state's healthcare system and serves over 700,000 children.

It comprises two paediatric hospitals, a research institute, a USDA nutrition centre, a philanthropic foundation, a nursery alliance, statewide clinics, and various education and outreach programmes.