An El Dorado family has provided a $3 million donation to Arkansas Children’s to help expand dental outreach and education in south Arkansas with a focus on Union County.
Arkansas Children’s, an organization that provides services including two hospitals, a pediatric research institute, clinics, education and outreach, announced the donation from the Brown family Tuesday.
“El Dorado residents have a longstanding commitment to investing in their community and putting children first,” said Robert R. Brown, Jr. “I’m honored to continue this tradition by partnering with Arkansas Children’s to promote a healthier future for the more than 10,000 children who live in our county.”
The donation, which is the largest single commitment to dental outreach programs at Arkansas Children’s to date, was made in memory of Joyce B. Brown, a lifelong El Dorado resident who died in 2016.
“Joyce provided the foundation upon which our close knit family was built,” said members of the Brown Family. “She placed great value on family and provided a loving home for her husband, children and grandchildren. It is through her example that the Brown Family wishes to honor her love for children and family by their donation.”
The $3 million commitment will fund dental outreach programs and expand efforts to educate new parents through Arkansas Children’s home visiting network. The programs focus on preventative health strategies in local communities across the state.
“The Brown Family’s leadership and generosity are remarkable and will help create a healthier future for children in Arkansas,” said Fred Scarborough, chief development officer for Arkansas Children’s and president of Arkansas Children’s Foundation. “The entire Arkansas Children’s team is grateful for their investment in dental outreach – one of the key strategies for advancing children’s health statewide. They are true champions for children.”