Jech family donates $250,000 to Arkansas Children’s Northwest
Vicki and Gary Jech of Springdale and their family will give $250,000 to Arkansas Children’s Northwest, a 233,613-square-foot pediatric hospital under construction west of Interstate 49 in Springdale. Arkansas Children’s announced the gift on Monday (July 17).
It will honor the Jech’s eight grandchildren and the care their first granddaughter, Peyton Keeling, received at Arkansas Children’s. Before turning 5 years old, Keeling underwent two heart surgeries at the Little Rock hospital. She’s also received treatment from the Autism Multispecialty Clinic at the hospital.
“Making this contribution to Arkansas Children’s Northwest is something we care deeply about,” said Gary Jech, president of Farris Insurance Agency in Springdale. “Because of the life-saving care Peyton received at Arkansas Children’s hospital, our family is proud to help provide care close to home for so many other families in the region.”
Because of the gift, a waiting area will be named after the Jech family. The area will be used for patients who need diagnostic testing, such as EEG, EKG and echocardiograms.
“We are grateful to the Jech family’s commitment to making Arkansas a healthier place for children to live, learn and play,” said Fred Scarborough, chief development officer for Arkansas Children’s and president of Arkansas Children’s Foundation. “Thanks to their generosity, Arkansas Children’s will continue to champion children and transform the way healthcare is delivered to children around the state.”
The 24-bed pediatric hospital is expected to open in January 2018. Over the next five years, the hospital project will cost $427.7 million in construction, technology, equipment and operating expenses and will create 250 jobs.