Schmieding Foundation Gives $1 Million to Arkansas Children’s Hospital

The Schmieding Foundation of Springdale announced Tuesday a $1 million gift to support Arkansas Children’s Hospital. The funds will create the Lawrence H. Schmieding Endowed Chair in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, according to a news release.

The endowed chair, named in honor of Lawrence H. Schmieding, will provide funds designated for research, clinical support and education advancing the care of cancer and blood disorders patients at ACH. Through an endowed chair, the full amount of the donation is set aside permanently with the earnings dedicated to the support of the chair holder’s clinical practice and research.

“We are very grateful to the Schmieding Foundation for providing this special and most generous gift,” Dr. Jonathan Bates, president and CEO of ACH, said in the release. “An endowed chair is one of the highest academic honors for the holder and assists ACH in attracting and retaining the highest quality physicians. It is a fine way to recognize a remarkable man, Lawrence Schmieding.”

In 1995, the Schmieding Foundation donated funds to create the Schmieding Developmental Center and Schmieding KIDS FIRST, which are located in the Centers for Children building in Lowell, a partnership between ACH and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

The gift announced Tuesday is being celebrated as part of the ACH Century of Possibility Centennial Campaign, which was announced March 5. Its goal is to raise $160 million to support pediatric care, research, education and prevention. According to Tuesday’s release, $116 million has been raised.