Billionaire businessman and philanthropist Tom Golisano, the founder of payroll services firm Paychex Inc. of Rochester, New York, has donated $50 million to Arkansas Children’s, the pediatric care system announced Monday.
It’s the largest philanthropic gift that Arkansas Children’s has ever received. The funds will support the system’s $371 million expansion, among other strategic priorities, the system said in a news release.
In honor of Golisano’s investment, the Arkansas Children’s campus in Little Rock will be named the Arkansas Children’s Golisano Campus.
Golisano on Monday also announced a $50 million donation to Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia in Augusta, Georgia.
Both hospitals are joining the nonprofit Golisano Children’s Alliance, bringing the number of members to 12. The national network was formed to share expertise, expand specialized services and improve pediatric care.
Golisano, who retired as president and CEO of Paychex in 2004, has now contributed more than $1 billion to advance education and health care across the country.
“Children’s hospitals are essential to the health and future of our communities, and each one serves families with unique needs and challenges,” Golisano said in a news release. “Arkansas Children’s has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing pediatric care, expanding access and investing in innovation. I’m proud to support their work and to welcome them into the Golisano Children’s Alliance as we continue building a collaborative network focused on improving outcomes for children nationwide.”
Arkansas Children’s announced its transformative expansion plan in 2023. Construction began in 2024 with anticipated completion in late 2026.
The project has received broad private support from organizations including the Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation, which donated $25 million.
“These landmark investments reflect an extraordinary belief in what Arkansas Children’s is building for families across America’s heartland,” Fred Scarborough, executive vice president and chief development officer for Arkansas Children’s, said in the release.
Public support has come from Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin, who committed more than $50 million in opioid and vaping settlement funds to Arkansas Children’s. Funds will be used to establish the National Center for Opioid Research & Clinical Effectiveness (NCOR) at the system’s Little Rock campus. Construction on the center is scheduled to be completed in early 2027.
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