Arkansas Children's will further transform child health in northwest Arkansas through a $25 million investment from the Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation, Inc. In recognition of this gift – the largest in Arkansas Children’s history – the Arkansas Children’s Northwest (ACNW) campus will be named the Pat Walker Campus.
Of the generous $25 million donation, $12.5 million will support expansion efforts, including the addition of a new wing to the Springdale hospital. The remaining $12.5 million will create an endowment — benefiting ACNW in perpetuity and helping meet the needs of children in the region for generations to come.
Mandy Macke, executive director of the Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation, Inc., announced the historic gift, also the largest single donation Walker Foundation has ever made, during the 15th annual Gala of Hope at the Fayetteville Public Library.
“Pat played such an integral role in making sure the children of Arkansas have every advantage they can have,” said Macke. “That includes quality healthcare close to home. Our involvement in Arkansas Children’s Northwest was a part of Pat's plan. This next step of where we’re going with Arkansas Children’s Northwest is part of our tribute.”
“Pat Walker’s love of children and northwest Arkansas shines across this region, and Arkansas Children’s is deeply grateful to have a role in continuing her unwavering legacy in the years ahead,” said Marcy Doderer, FACHE, president and CEO of Arkansas Children’s. “Her spirit of generosity and compassion will ensure thousands more Arkansas children have access to exceptional care that allows them to reach their fullest potential.”
In May, Arkansas Children’s announced the expansion at its two hospitals as part of its commitment to make its services more accessible for all Arkansas children, with an eye on Northwest Arkansas’ accelerated growth.
Arkansas Children’s Northwest opened in 2018, with a commitment that the hospital would expand to meet the needs of this rapidly growing region. The expansion’s primary focus areas are orthopedics, urology, gastroenterology, and ear, nose and throat. The four-story addition will connect to the current floors of the hospital, and the project will add inpatient beds, operating rooms, and a new endoscopy suite. The plan also calls for additional outpatient clinic space in the adjacent Children’s Center for Health & Wellness, where patients currently attend primary care appointments.