Laura Crone is a local pillar of philanthropy. She says she inherited her charitable attitude from her parents, who taught her to embrace kindness and social responsibility. She volunteers at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, and several other nonprofit organizations throughout Central Arkansas. With experience in community care as a licensed clinical social worker, Laura is passionate about advocating for our state’s most vulnerable demographic: children. She is excited about A la Carte and the support the upcoming event will provide to Arkansas Children’s Hospital Auxiliary.
Laura’s journey with Arkansas Children’s Hospital began eight years ago, shortly after the birth of her first son Charlie. Charlie’s life-threatening food allergies landed him in the emergency room at just six weeks old. Thankfully, treatment from ACH saved Laura’s son’s life – and has saved it again and again, a total of 21 times. Despite severe allergies to certain foods, Charlie has been able to flourish under the care of ACH doctors.
Laura credits Dr. Stacie Jones in particular, an allergist who is also a principal investigator for the Arkansas Children’s Research Institute. The institute is one of 10 sites in the United States conducting a study on Omalizumab, a monoclonal antibody that reduces life-threatening allergic reactions in children and adults. “We are forever grateful for Dr. Jones, along with the amazing doctors, nurses, staff and researchers at Arkansas Children’s Hospital who continue to provide exceptional care and have truly changed our children’s lives.”
Joining the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Auxiliary was a natural progression for Laura, who jokes that she was spending a lot of time at the hospital! After several years as a committee member, her nomination as chairman came as no surprise. Inspired by artist Yayoi Kusama and her quote “Nothing can be achieved with just one polka dot,” this year’s event weaves in the mission of the auxiliary and a community united underneath this mission. The fundraiser is generously supported by several local restauranteurs: The Root, George’s, Brave New Restaurant, Hill Station, and The Pantry. It will feature samplings along with a few surprises.
Proceeds from A la Carte support the historic expansion of Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock. It will provide Arkansas families with a singular healthcare system that increases accessibility to pediatric care. Laura encourages everyone to consider how they can help make a difference. “Arkansas Children’s served 180,000 children last year – more children than ever before. It takes a village to fulfill funding for a project as large as this expansion. We’re creating better outcomes for so many children and families across the state and region.”
A la Carte
Tuesday, April 3 | Angel One Hangar