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ACH Auxiliary

The Arkansas Children's Hospital Auxiliary is a volunteer organization that supports patients and families through fundraising and service projects.

The Auxiliary supports Arkansas Children's Hospital through many fundraising efforts, including A la Carte, ACHiever Program, Holiday Card Project, Miracle Ball, PlayAway Gift Shop and Race for a Healthier Tomorrow.

Contact the ACH Auxiliary at ACHAuxiliary@archildrens.org or call (501) 364-1476 to learn more.

2025-26 President: Marisa Nabholz
2025-26 First Vice President: Cathleen McFarlin

ACH Auxiliary Events & Programs

2025-2026 Girl Program Chair: Holly-Beth Willis
2025-2026 Girl Program Chair Elect: Angie Johnson
2025-2026 Girl Program Chair Elect: Chase Crocker
2025-2026 Boy Program Chair: Bess Grobmyer
2025-2026 Boy Program Chair Elect: Susan Hoskyn

The ACHiever program, founded to allow ninth grade students a unique opportunity to network directly with medical professionals and their peers and to raise funds and awareness for ACH, has been ongoing in the community over two decades.

We believe this program is beneficial in exposing young women and men to Arkansas Children's Hospital, introducing them to a variety of wonderful medical careers, and encouraging the importance of philanthropy. In addition to the community service hours earned through program attendance, ACHiever participants may earn additional service hours working in non-patient care areas— up to 40+ hours.

We're looking forward to the 2025-2026 ACHiever Program! Learn more and submit your application at the link below:

2026 Chair: Ashley Parker 
2026 Chair Elect: Lauren Dake
2026 Silent Auction Chair: Erica Phillips

Mark your calendars for April 2, 2026, 6:30pm. 

A la Carte, hosted by the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, raises over $100,000 annually to make the children of our state better today and healthier tomorrow. 

2025 Chair: Michelle Robertson
2026 Chair Elect: Margaret Staley

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 October—March.
 
In 2024, we raised over $70,000 benefiting the ACH Auxiliary funding priorities. Thank you to everyone who made this year such a success!

2025 Chairs: Mary and Fred Scarborough

Mark your calendars for December 13, 2025.

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, with a goal of raising more than $1,000,000 annually.

The 2024 Miracle Ball and Online Auction raised more than $1 million! Thank you to our sponsors and community supporters for your generosity!

2025-2026 Chair: Frances Mitchell
2025-2026 Chair Elect: Sue Frank

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.

2025 Co-Chair: Stacey Dvorak
2025 Co-Chair: Anna Kharlamova

On Saturday, October 11, 2025, the ACH Auxiliary and community volunteers will host a family-friendly timed 5k race and 1k family walk.

Arkansans from all four corners can participate in the physical race, as a virtual runner or with a personal online fundraising page.  All ages and physical levels are encouraged to participate. Register now and start a fundraising team at the link below.