(From left) Reverend Randy Ludwig, Baxter Health Chaplain/Director of Pastoral Care; Steve Litty, Baxter Health Foundation Board Past Chair; Mike Stockton, Professional Advisory Council member; and Cindy Costa, CFRE, Baxter Health Foundation Gift Officer, at the 2026 Donor Banquet on May 7.
The Baxter Health Foundation announced donors contributed a record $3.8 million during 2025, marking the largest fundraising year in the organization’s 37-year history.
The milestone was celebrated May 7 during the Foundation’s Annual Donor Banquet attended by supporters from across North Central Arkansas and South Central Missouri.
One of the year’s biggest accomplishments was the completion of the Heartbeat of Hope capital campaign, which raised $2.5 million for Baxter Health’s new cardiac catheterization laboratory.
“This community shows up for each other in a way that is truly remarkable,” Ron Peterson, President and CEO of Baxter Health, said. “Because of your generosity, families across 12 counties and two states have access to world-class care close to home. You are the reason Baxter Health is still here, still growing, and still serving.”
According to the Foundation, the $3.8 million raised this year increases the organization’s total investment into Baxter Health to more than $22 million since its founding 37 years ago.
Those donations have helped fund surgical technology, cancer care facilities, cardiac services, community clinics and healthcare scholarships throughout the region.
“We can’t thank our donor family enough for the remarkable year of giving in 2025,” said Sarah Edwards, Executive Director of the Baxter Health Foundation. “They are the heartbeat of our hospital and truly prove that philanthropy can save lives. We are excited to see what we can do together again this year.”
The Foundation serves communities across 12 counties in Arkansas and Missouri.
More information about the Foundation is available through the Baxter Health Foundation website.
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