Arkansas Children’s Hospital Auxiliary President Terry Quinn celebrates the legacy of civic leadership established half of a century ago that continues to help provide world-class medical care to children.
By Jillian McGehee | Photography by Sara Reeves | Hair by Alicia Miller with Clayton Keith Salon | Makeup by Vanessa Thomas Russell with Feinstein’s | Wardrobe from Feinstein’s | Flowers by Cabbage Rose
Each of the 24 hours in a day offers ample time to work hard and laugh a lot, according to Terry Quinn. This motto – learned from her mother – serves her well in every aspect of her life. The devoted Arkansas Children’s Hospital Auxiliary member laughs when asked how she has balanced volunteering with career and motherhood. It’s her can-do attitude as well as the steadfast commitment to ACH and the welfare of children established by women before her that keeps her focused and optimistic.
As ACH Auxiliary President, Terry considers her role part of the collective past, present and future of a legacy of female civic leadership that is unwavering. The volunteer group, now 500 women strong, celebrates 50 years of service and support of the renowned children’s hospital. A luncheon officially marks the milestone this month with keynote speaker Mark Shriver.
Terry notes the luncheon will honor the rich heritage of the auxiliary and the momentum that will carry the auxiliary’s mission – championing for children – toward a century of service. “Fifty years of love and determination have been given to Arkansas Children’s Hospital,” she says. “Neal Lee, our historian, has worked for two years on our very exciting book commemorating the last 50 years and I can’t wait for our members to see it.”
In addition, Terry says she looks forward to welcoming Mary Margaret Marks as incoming president. She could “conceivably be at our 100th celebration,” Terry adds, noting that it’s an exciting time to welcome younger constituents to the auxiliary.
Like many auxiliary members, support of ACH is a family affair. Terry’s mother-in-law, Mildred Quinn, served as the auxiliary’s ninth president from 1975-76. Terry’s tenure as a hospital volunteer spans the decades – from working in the gift shop after college to Junior League of Little Rock service hours in the infant/toddler unit. She was invited to attend her first auxiliary meeting and says, “I joined that day and became a lifetime member. It was a privilege to join.”
Fred Scarborough, Chief Development Officer for Arkansas Children’s and President of Arkansas Children’s Foundation, commends the auxiliary’s work. “Throughout the years, the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Auxiliary has provided Arkansas Children’s with the funds to continue healthcare services to our children around the state. Thanks to the dedication of our passionate auxiliary members, we look forward to a bright future for the children of Arkansas.”
Last year, the auxiliary presented $1,195,000 for various hospital programs, Terry notes. “Our work through A la Carte, Holiday Cards, Miracle Ball, Star ACHievers and Playaway Gift Shop provides the funds for us to contribute to our designated programs: David M. Clark Center for Safe and Healthy Children, Arkansas Children’s Research Institute, Palliative Care Program, Good Mourning Program, Comfort Foods Program and a specially designated gift to Festival of Stars.”
The incredible work and miracles that happen every day at the hospital are why Terry has remained involved all these years, she notes. The hospital’s continued expansion and enhancement of programs comes from philanthropic support. “We are blessed to have state-of-the-art equipment and services and have the extraordinary talent of our physicians, nurses, techs and staff to care for the most fragile patients.”
To be part of an organization that helps provide the necessary resources for such renowned care, Terry says, is “humbling.” Fifty years ago, courageous women had the focused foresight to establish the auxiliary. “They saw a need and made it happen. Today, with more than 500 members, we are smart, diverse and determined women. I look at our membership and see grandmothers, daughters and granddaughters – all with a common passion for children.”
