Johnelle Hunt family gives $1 million Arkansas Children’s Northwest
by September 26, 2016 3:02 pm 666 views
Johnelle Hunt and family have given $1 million to help fund the construction of Arkansas Children’s Northwest campus in Springdale.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to reach his or her full potential,” said Hunt, co-founder of J.B. Hunt Transport Services and chairman of Hunt Ventures. “Arkansas Children’s is a gift and will transform the care we are able to provide to the children of Springdale and the region.”
In honor of the Hunt family gift, and in gratitude for their vision of a healthier Arkansas, the public dining area in Arkansas Children’s Northwest will bear J.B. and Johnelle Hunt’s family name. Located on the garden level, the dining area will provide a place for patient families, staff and visitors to gather for meals. The space is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows to let in natural light and provide views of the campus gardens and outdoor spaces.
“The Caring Community continues to step forward boldly in support of the construction of Arkansas Children’s Northwest,” said Fred Scarborough, president of Arkansas Children’s Foundation. “The J.B. and Johnelle Hunt family are champions for children. We are grateful for the family’s continued support as we bring care close to home to more than 200,000 children in the region.”
On Aug. 5, Arkansas Children’s announced a public campaign to raise $70 million for the construction of Arkansas Children’s Northwest. This gift is being celebrated as part of the previously announced $53 million pledged by the Northwest Arkansas community.
Ashley Leopoulos, spokeswoman for Arkansas Children’s Hospital, told Talk Business & Politics the tally for contributions toward the $70 million still stands at $53 million as of Sept. 26.
When it opens in January 2018, the 233,613 square-foot hospital will be the region’s first and only comprehensive pediatric healthcare center.The project is expected to cost $427.7 million in construction, technology, equipment, and operating expenses over the next five years, and will create 250 new jobs.
Arkansas Children’s Northwest is being designed by Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects of Fayetteville and Little Rock, Ark., and FKP Architects of Houston, Texas. Nabholz Construction is overseeing construction.