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Wess Moore and Alyson Courtney served as the event's emcees.
Julep Cup Jaunt Aids UAMS Programs
| May 7, 2015 | As Arkansas Derby winner American Pharoah made his move in the home stretch to win the Kentucky Derby on May 2, race fans cheered.
Derby Day hats were on full display at this year’s Julep Cup Jaunt.
However, the race brought more than a win for the thoroughbred. It provided an opportunity to raise more than $65,000 at the annual UAMS derby watch party, with proceeds going to help renovate the unit caring for fragile newborns and the mother and baby wing of UAMS Medical Center.
Around 200 guests gathered for the 12th Julep Cup Jaunt, hosted by the UAMS Consortium in the Fred W. Smith Conference Center on the 12th floor of the UAMS Jackson T. Stephens Spine & Neurosciences Institute.
Ashley Ross, M.D., associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics and interim chief of neonatology, talked briefly about the importance of the NICU prior to the race. The unit cares for the tiniest of patients and their families, with access to nationally known experts in neonatology and care for high-risk pregnancies, premature births and other medical needs.
The UAMS NICU features private rooms for patients, Ross noted, reducing the risk of stress caused by additional noise or physical stimuli. For those unable to be with their infant, the unit includes web-based cameras known as the ANGEL Eye system, allowing parents and other family to view babies via a secure website.
“Our unit is unique and stands apart from others because it is truly a family-centered intensive care setting,” Ross said.
Ashley Ross, M.D., speaks about the work and importance of the UAMS NICU.
Renovations planned for the mother-baby wing include new paint and other much-needed improvements to ensure the facilities are able to deliver patient- and family-centered care to newborns and mothers.
In addition to showing the 141th running of the Kentucky Derby on the large 12 ft. by 24 ft. theater-style auditorium screen, the Julep Cup Jaunt featured live and silent auctions.
Silent auction items include exclusive dinner packages, hotel stays, jewelry, artwork, items for kids and much more. The live auction was for an expense paid trip for 12 to Oaklawn with box seats at the Hot Springs track that is home to the Arkansas Derby. The Oaklawn trip went for $700.
The pre-race festivities also featured a hat contest — with several women sporting fancy, elaborate and flashy headgear much like many in attendance at Churchill Downs. Laurie Ann Ross received the most applause for a big, bright yellow hat.
Consortium members Laura Connor and Shane Carter served as co-chairs for the event. The UAMS Consortium is a council of advocates for UAMS made up of business professionals who serve as ambassadors for the university.
The event has now raised more than $465,000 for the NICU and other UAMS programs since its 2004 inception.
Sponsors for the event included the Hat Club, UARK Federal Credit Union, Windstream, Robin Dee Enterprises Inc., Simmons Bank, Mitchell Williams, Ferstl Valuation, US Food, TC Print, Center Point, Bankers Assurance, JPMS Cox, Iberia Bank, Everything Mary, EGP PLLC, First Arkansas Bank and Trust, Clark Contractors, Regions and LR Cosmetic.