25 Jan 2015 Circle of Friends helps create miracles

by Callie Sterling

Thirteen statewide chapters of Circle of Friends meet monthly to raise funds and awareness for Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

“Circle of Friends is a group of passionate volunteers that all have the same vision,” said Miranda Wiley, Faulkner County Circle of Friends executive chair. “Our vision is to serve the children and families of Arkansas Children’s Hospital with care, love and hope through our fundraising efforts.”

The Circle of Friends organization has been around since 1983.

Some members participate in the philanthropic organization because they have personal connections with ACH and want to give back.  

“I feel like we are blessed to have such a world-class facility within arm’s reach,” said Kellie Robinson, state board president. “I have been a member for six years. All three of my nephews have been treated at the pulmonology clinic, and one was med-flighted to ACH after a near drowning incident. It is amazing to have it so close!”

Circle of Friends is all about creating miracles financially for a hospital that performs miracles every day.

“I personally am involved because I want to be a part of a miracle,” said Genie Davis, Circle of Friends state board member.

A general consensus from COF members is that Arkansans are blessed to have a top-notch facility located centrally in the state.   

“We are so lucky to have Arkansas Children’s Hospital right here in our backyard,” Wiley said. “I enjoy being involved in Circle of Friends because I feel that it is important to give back to the community. I love raising money that goes directly to the hospital to serve the patients and families of Arkansas. The care, love and hope that the staff at Arkansas Children’s Hospital provides is like no other.”

The core fundraising events for the Faulkner County chapter include a membership drive, Kids Caring for Kids, Tailgating for Tots, Freezin’ for a Reason family fun run and the Diamond Ball.

“The money flows to designated channels by the membership based on the needs of the hospital,” Robinson said. “Our current large project is the new Circle of Friends Hematology/Oncology Clinic in the recently opened South Wing. COF made a $2.5 million commitment over five years to fund this amazing clinic.”  

The 13 chapters of Circle of Friends are located in various parts of Arkansas and include the Arkansas River Valley, El Dorado, Faulkner County, Garland County, Greater Fort Smith, Greene County, Harrison Regional, Jefferson County, Jonesboro, Lawrence County, Magnolia, Northwest Arkansas and Texarkana.

Specifically, the Faulkner County Chapter hopes to increase their active membership enrollment this year. The Faulkner County chapter meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Monday of the month.

“There are currently 35 active members in the Faulkner County Chapter of Circle of Friends,” Wiley said. “We have a goal of 65 members this fiscal year.”

To join this group of miracle makers, active member dues are $25 per year. To become a member of any chapter of Circle of Friends visit giving.archildrens.org. For information about the Faulkner County chapter, contact Wiley at [email protected] or follow the group on Twitter at @COFFaulkner and on Facebook at “Circle of Friends Faulkner County.”