At Arkansas Children’s, every act of generosity tells a story. Some begin with a modest idea – a toy drive, a game shared among friends or a lemonade stand on a hot summer’s day. On their own, they may seem like simple moments. But together, they tell a bigger story – one of compassion, remembrance and hope. Across Arkansas, supporters are turning generosity into action, creating meaningful ways to give back and showing that one idea, one act of kindness, can make a difference in the lives of children who need it most.
Summer stand spreads sweetness and support
In one Little Rock neighborhood, a summer lemonade stand has become more than a seasonal tradition — it’s a way to honor a friend and give back to Arkansas Children’s.
For the past several years, Louisa Berkow, her sister Penelope and a group of friends have set up the “Lou+May Nade Stand” in their neighborhood, raising money for Arkansas Children’s while honoring the memory of their friend Malin Opitz. From the beginning, the stand stood out for its playful approach. In addition to classic lemonade, the girls offered a variety of candy toppings – including Nerds, Sour Patch Kids and Sweet Tart Ropes – allowing customers to customize their drinks. The concept quickly became a favorite and remains a signature element of the stand today, with new toppings added each year.
What began with a modest goal of raising $100 quickly exceeded expectations, bringing in $10,000 in its first year alone. That success helped establish the lemonade stand as an annual effort, with Louisa continuing the tradition after Malin’s death in 2023.
“The lemonade stand was important to us and I know she’d want me to continue with the tradition,” Louisa, now 13, said. “She’d do the same for me.”
Over time, the stand has grown in both scope and impact. Friends regularly volunteer to help prepare drinks, greet neighbors and spread the word, turning the event into a community-wide effort. In recent years, the fundraiser has expanded beyond lemonade sales to include a book drive benefiting Child Life services at Arkansas Children’s.
“Malin had such a big heart and she wanted to give back to Arkansas Children’s and do something for other kids receiving treatment,” said Jessica Berkow, Louisa’s mother. “It’s been really special to see Louisa and her friends continue that in her memory.”
Proceeds from the stand support oncology programs at Arkansas Children’s, reflecting Malin’s experience as a patient and her own desire to help others. Now five years in, the “Lou+May Nade Stand” has raised more than $20,000 since its inaugural event, continuing to build on its original mission — making a lasting impact, one cup of lemonade at a time.
Rivals rally for remarkable reason
A longtime rivalry between two Fort Smith high schools took on an extra dose of heart this winter, as students and fans came together to support patients at Arkansas Children’s.
On January 20, Northside High School hosted its annual Teddy Bear Toss during the rivalry girls basketball game against Southside High School at Grizzly Arena. Fans from both schools brought new stuffed animals to the game, ready to toss them onto the court when the Lady Bears scored their 10th point.
When the moment arrived, the stands erupted as more than 100 stuffed animals rained down onto the court. The toys were gathered and donated to Arkansas Children’s, where they will help brighten the days of young patients.
For Lauren Cox, a Northside English teacher and one of the Renaissance Club sponsors (the club that organizes the event), the donations carried special meaning. Her 4-year-old son, Dean Cox, is a cystic fibrosis patient and an Arkansas Children’s ambassador.
“Witnessing students and staff, many of whom I consider family, come together to support a cause that has impacted my son firsthand was incredible,” Cox said. “I’m so thankful for my community’s support — the amount of stuffed animals we received went above and beyond my expectations. I hope each and every one will bring a smile to the face of a patient at ACH.”
Lauren and Dean delivered the stuffed animals in February during one of Dean’s pulmonary appointments in Little Rock. Though it was the fifth year that Northside has hosted the Teddy Bear Toss, this year was the first that the toys were donated to Arkansas Children’s – a choice Cox said made sense because of her family’s connection to the hospital.
Although Northside organizes the event, Southside students and fans also participate, turning the friendly rivalry into a community-wide effort.
“It’s a really cool way for both schools and the entire Fort Smith community to come together to support an amazing cause,” Cox said.
Cards and community create charitable change
What started as a simple effort to learn a new game has turned into a growing gift for Arkansas Children’s.
Nearly a decade ago, Little Rock resident Cindy Phelps set out to learn how to play mahjong. At the time, she struggled to find anyone nearby who knew the game. So, she did what came naturally: she found a few interested neighbors, learned together and began teaching others.
Today, that small circle has blossomed into a thriving community of players — and an unexpected source of support for Arkansas Children’s.
Phelps organizes the purchase of annual mahjong cards through the National Mahjong League, which publishes the official card players use to determine winning hands. Each year, when players order their new cards through Phelps, a portion of the proceeds benefits a charity of her choosing.
She chose Arkansas Children’s. Inspired by the hospital’s mission and the care children receive there, Phelps felt it was the natural choice for the group’s charitable giving.
“If you see a sick child, you hurt all over,” Phelps said. “I just have a heart for babies.”
What began with about 40 card orders has grown steadily through word of mouth. This year, Phelps collected orders for 444 cards — meaning more than $2,200 will go to Arkansas Children’s through the program.
“It’s been amazing to watch it grow,” she said.
Along the way, Phelps estimates she has taught more than 500 people how to play. But for her, the game has always been about more than tiles and strategy. It’s about connection.
As the group continues to grow, so does the impact of their shared hobby. And Phelps hopes even more players will join in — knowing that every card purchased helps support Arkansas Children’s.
“I just tell people where the money is going,” she said. “And every time, they say, ‘Oh, I love that.’”
This story originally ran in the Spring 2026 issue of Champions Magazine