JONESBORO, Ark. — Lynn and Don Parker of Rental Concepts, the largest RNR Tire Express franchisee, recently donated $2 million to the Arkansas Children's Hospital.
This comes on top of their $1 million donation in 2019 and a commitment to another $1 million future donation, bringing their total donations over the last five years to $4 million.
The donations made by the Parkers and their daughters Clara, Anna and Sydney will be used as part of the hospital's $318 million expansion project.
"My wife and I have worked hard and been blessed in life, and we both believe it is important to give back to the community," Don Parker said.
"We have experienced first-hand the benefits of the philanthropic giveback to the hospital, so being able to provide that same support to kids and their families is an opportunity we are grateful to have."
Lynn Parker has been involved with the hospital for 34 years, beginning as a member on the auxiliary team checking out books to patients and families while she was in law school in Little Rock, Ark.
After moving to Jonesboro in 1995, she became involved in the hospital's Circle of Friends and has served on the board of the Arkansas Children's Foundation since 2019.
In addition to the expansion of the hospital, the donation will be used to increase bed capacity; transform inpatient and outpatient surgical approaches with the addition of an ambulatory center; redesign clinical spaces to promote multidisciplinary care; and create an accessible campus experience.
"The Parkers are the epitome of what the RNR brand stands for," RNR Tire Founder Larry Sutton said.
"They represent their community and brand at an exceptional level. We are proud to have them as part of the RNR family."
Since opening their first RNR location in 2005 as part of Rental Concepts, the Parkers have expanded to 32 stores across seven states, including 12 in Arkansas.
Along with David Harrison, president of Rental Concepts, the Parkers have set aside a portion of the profits from Rental Concepts each month for a charity of their choice.
