Arkansas Children’s has received a $1.5 million gift from Hank’s Fine Furniture. Made as part of Arkansas Children’s ongoing expansion project, the gift will help deliver better access, exceptional outcomes and improved on-campus experiences at the state’s nationally ranked pediatric health system.
The gift was made in memory of Hank Browne, founder of Hank’s Fine Furniture, who passed away in 2022 of glioblastoma, a type of cancer that originates in the brain. In recognition of his longtime support of Arkansas Children’s and in observance of September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the new bone marrow transplant suite at Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) will be named in his honor.
“We wanted to do something to honor my father and knew we wanted to do it at Arkansas Children’s,” said Mary Browne Allen, owner and chief executive officer of Hank’s Fine Furniture. “Arkansas Children’s is so important to the state, and it was deeply important to my father. I think he would be very proud of this gift and of the legacy he created that allows us to give back in this way.”
The Hank Browne Bone Marrow Transplant Suite will include specialized rooms specifically designed to meet the needs of immunocompromised bone marrow transplant patients. Located adjacent to the ACH hematology/oncology unit, the redesigned space will be able to accommodate dedicated equipment and intensive patient monitoring.
“Hank was such a fantastic friend and tremendous supporter of Arkansas Children’s over the years,” said Fred Scarborough, executive vice president and chief development officer at Arkansas Children’s. “We’re honored to have his name on the new bone marrow transplant suite, which will continue to enhance the level of care and provide an elevated experience for pediatric oncology patients.”
A native of Perryville, Browne had his first interaction with Arkansas Children’s as a teenager when he spent a summer driving young patients to doctor’s appointments around Little Rock. After spending four years in the Navy, he graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a degree in business before founding what would become Hank’s Fine Furniture in 1975. Hank’s has grown to 16 stores across Arkansas, Alabama and Florida.
“When he was younger, after his summer job driving those young patients, my dad told himself that if he ever had any money, he would donate to Arkansas Children’s — and he did,” Allen said. “For more than 30 years, he gave generously. Honoring his legacy with a gift that supports the best in pediatric health care just makes sense.”