LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas & North Louisiana (RMHC AR & NLA) has received a $500,000 Challenge Grant from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation to support the construction of a new Ronald McDonald House inside Baptist Health in Little Rock.
This project will bring the first in-hospital Ronald McDonald House to Central Arkansas, offering overnight accommodations and daytime support to families with hospitalized children.
The grant marks the continuation of a decade-long partnership between RMHC AR & NLA and the Mabee Foundation. Over the past 10 years, the Foundation has contributed nearly $2.5 million to RMHC projects across the region, including facilities in Little Rock, Fort Smith and Fayetteville, as well as Ronald McDonald Family Rooms® in Little Rock.
To secure the $500,000 Challenge Grant, RMHC AR & NLA must raise an additional $250,000 toward the construction of the new in-hospital facility by April 8, 2026.
“This support from the Mabee Foundation is transformational, and we are beyond grateful,” said Janell Mason, CEO of RMHC AR & NLA. “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.”
To date, the organization has raised more than $2.2 million toward the capital campaign. In addition to completing the $250,000 challenge, RMHC AR & NLA seeks to raise another $800,000 for furnishings, medical-grade equipment and the first three years of operational support.
The Mabee Foundation, headquartered in Midland, Texas, has supported capital projects across six states for nearly 80 years, donating more than $1.6 billion to hospitals, schools and community-based initiatives.
Construction of the Ronald McDonald House at Baptist Health is scheduled to begin in March 2026, with the facility expected to open six months later.
For families like Lauren Brown’s, from Lonoke, the project represents more than bricks and mortar—it’s peace of mind during a medical crisis. Her newborn son was recently transferred to the Baptist Health NICU with respiratory complications, including a collapsed lung.
“He’s been in the NICU for six days now, but he’s doing much better,” Brown shared. “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 emphasized the difference proximity makes.
“Just the first two nights that he was in the NICU, it was hard being far away. Now that we’re closer, it makes it easier just in case we get a call and need to rush up there,” Brown said.
In addition to lodging and meals, Ronald McDonald House provides comfort amenities like books, games, TVs, and even wellness services.
“This morning they had a hairdresser,” Brown said. “They definitely help make things a little bit lighter, helping keep families close together without all the added costs.”
With the help of the Mabee Foundation and the community, RMHC AR & NLA is poised to create a home-away-from-home right inside Baptist Health, where it’s needed most.
For more information or to contribute to the campaign, visit RMHCArkansas.org.