Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

Arkansas Coach Bobby Petrino and his wife, Becky, announced Friday a $250,000 donation to help fund an expansion at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock.

Petrino is also lending his name to a charity golf tournament set to launch June 18, 2012 at The Country Club of Little Rock. A waiting room/family lounge will be named in the Petrinos' honor.

"Becky and I chose to support Arkansas Children's Hospital because we believe in the mission of this amazing institution," Petrino said in a news release. "As parents, we know the importance of having such a facility here in our state."

Sister pub Arkansas Business was on hand for the donation announcement, which coincided with the Razorbacks' annual trip to Arkansas Children's Hospital. Arkansas faces New Mexico on Saturday in Little Rock at 6 p.m.

Here’s what Petrino had to say Thursday about the scheduled visit.

“It’s really good for our players. You do it for the children that are there, but I think our players get as much out of it as the children do. When you watch them interact and understand what’s going on there. So it’s a win-win for everybody. It’s a win for all the children at the hospital. It’s a win for our players. It’s certainly humbling for all of us. I’ve always been so respectful for the skill of the doctors and nurses that are able to treat those young kids.”

For some perspective on how far-reaching and impactful Arkansas Children's Hospital is, check this Oct. 2010 column from George Schroeder, a sports columnist in Eugene, Ore. whose son, Christopher, was treated in Little Rock.