July 10, 2009 | July 10, 2009 | Thanks to some sock-hopping Eagles, the UAMS Division of Endocrinology can give its diabetes research fund a twirl around the dance floor.

The Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 60 of Little Rock donated $2,500 to the division in a check presentation ceremony June 18. The majority of the funds was raised through an annual sock hop dance at the Eagles chapter headquarters, called the Little Rock Aerie.

“We know this can be put to good use here at UAMS and it’s an honor to be able to make this presentation on behalf of our Aerie,” said Conrad McKown, the FOE Arkansas state worthy president. “We have just as much fun making the donations as we do in our functions that help raise the money.”

McKown said the Aerie holds several ongoing fundraisers and has collected between $300,000 and $400,000 over the last decade for 11 charities. The $2,500 donation to the Division of Endocrinology in the Department of Internal Medicine is to be used for diabetes research.

“We’re extremely grateful they chose the Division of Endocrinology as the beneficiary of their fundraising efforts,” said Stavros Manolagas, M.D., Ph.D., founder of the UAMS Center for Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Diseases and a professor and vice chair for research in the Department of Internal Medicine. “With more than 23.6 million children and adults in the United States, or nearly 8 percent of the population, diagnosed with diabetes, researching and gaining further knowledge is paramount.”

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