The nonprofit East North Street Foundation has donated $1 million to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock in support of the hospital’s $235.2 million expansion project, the pediatric care provider announced Tuesday.

According to a news release, the expansion will add bed capacity and transform inpatient and outpatient surgical approaches at Arkansas Children’s Hospital with the addition of an ambulatory surgery center. Additionally, the expansion will redesign clinical spaces to promote multidisciplinary care and create an inviting and accessible campus experience.

Arkansas Children’s announced their $318 million expansion project for the campuses in Little Rock and Springdale in May 2023. Donors of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals raised $5.42 million for the two expansions in 2023, Arkansas Children’s announced in May.

Phase one of construction on both campuses began earlier this year and is scheduled to be completed in 2026.

“This generous investment will have a lasting impact on the hospital’s ability to provide cutting-edge pediatric care and improve the overall well-being of our young patients and their families,” Marcy Doderer, president and CEO of Arkansas Children’s, said in the release. “Pediatric health needs are more complex than ever before, and we are committed to the highest levels of access and health care quality for the children across Arkansas and the region.” 

The East North Street Foundation is co-founded and operated by David Hendrix and Doug Hendrix of Bryant, who founded Big Red Stores in 1997 and sold the franchise for $225.7 million to Canadian firm Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. in April 2023. 

The brothers own Summerwood Partners LLC of Bryant, parent company of the convenience store chain Big Red, which ranked No. 34 among the largest private companies in Arkansas in 2024. 

The release stated that the family foundation has strong ties to Arkansas and is a long-time supporter of Arkansas Children’s. 

“This partnership with Arkansas Children’s Hospital is a profound honor for us,” David Hendrix said. “Contributing to the hospital’s expansion project is not only an investment in advanced medical care but also a commitment to building a brighter, healthier future for families across Arkansas.”