The J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation has awarded Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas & North Louisiana (RMHC AR & NLA) a $500,000 Challenge Grant to help build a new Ronald McDonald House inside Baptist Health in Little Rock.
Through this project, Central Arkansas will see the opening of the first Ronald McDonald House in-hospital, providing families with hospitalized children with daytime support and overnight lodging.
With this grant, RMHC AR & NLA and the Mabee Foundation continue their ten-year collaboration.
The Foundation has donated almost $2.5 million to RMHC projects throughout the region over the last ten years, including Ronald McDonald Family Rooms® in Little Rock and facilities in Little Rock, Fort Smith, and Fayetteville.
By April 8, 2026, RMHC AR & NLA will need to raise an additional $250,000 for the new in-hospital facility’s construction in order to receive the $500,000 Challenge Grant.
“This support from the Mabee Foundation is transformational, and we are beyond grateful,” Janell Mason, CEO of RMHC AR & NLA stated. “Time and time again, the Foundation has shown its commitment to ensuring families can stay together when they are fighting for their child’s life in the hospital. Their generosity makes a lasting impact.”
The group has raised over $2.2 million for the capital campaign so far. RMHC AR & NLA wants to raise an additional $800,000 to cover the first three years of operational support, medical-grade equipment, and furnishings in addition to finishing the $250,000 challenge.
For almost eight decades, the Midland, Texas-based Mabee Foundation has contributed more than $1.6 billion to hospitals, schools, and community-based projects in six states.
Baptist Health plans to start building the Ronald McDonald House in March 2026, with the facility expected to open six months later.
For Lonoke families like Lauren Brown’s, the project is more than just real estate; it’s a source of comfort in the event of a medical emergency. Her newborn son had respiratory issues, including a collapsed lung, and was recently admitted to the Baptist Health NICU.
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“He’s been in the NICU for six days now, but he’s doing much better,” Brown stated. “This is a place to stay that’s close to the hospital—we’re only eight minutes away, and we’re able to go multiple times a day. We don’t have to worry about food costs. It’s awesome.”
Brown underlined the impact of proximity. Ronald McDonald House offers comfortable amenities like TVs, games, books, and even wellness services in addition to rooms and meals.
RMHC AR & NLA is in a position to establish a home-away-from-home within Baptist Health, where it is most needed, with the support of the Mabee Foundation and the community.
Visit RMHCArkansas.org to learn more or to make a donation to the campaign.
