May 18, 2011 | One of the largest crowds in the seven-year history of the Julep Cup Jaunt helped raise funds May 7 for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) while watching the 137th running of the Kentucky Derby.

Over the last three years, the event has raised more than $50,000 to help the UAMS NICU care for the state’s tiniest and most fragile babies.

More than 350 supporters filed onto the 12th floor of the UAMS Jackson T. Stephens Spine & Neurosciences Institute to watch on a 12ft. by 24 ft. theater-style screen “the most exciting two minutes in sports.” Won with an electrifying stretch run by long shot Animal Kingdom, the race had most in attendance standing and cheering. Sponsored by the UAMS Consortium, the Julep Cup Jaunt has become central Arkansas’ premier Kentucky Derby watch party and silent auction.

Prior to the race, Kristine Palmer, M.D., medical co-director of the UAMS NICU and associate professor of pediatrics, thanked the crowd for its support.

“It’s the additional support we get from people like you and from events like these that makes our new NICU such a special place,” Palmer said. “It truly makes a difference in the lives of so many families for us to have this additional support.”

At last year’s event, guests received molds of the hands and feet of one of the UAMS NICU’s tiniest patients, “Baby Grace.” This year, Palmer introduced “Baby Grace” and her family to the crowd, spurring a rousing applause for the NICU success story.

Silent auction items included a Viking grill, a guided duck hunt, an Arkansas Travelers luxury suite for a 2011 season game, artwork, jewelry and restaurant gift cards, among many others.

Sponsors for this year’s event included USA Drug, Arvest Bank, First Arkansas Bank and Trust, Affiliated Real Estate Appraisers of Arkansas, Regions Bank, JPMS Cox, Williams & Anderson PLC, Mitchell Williams, Bankers Assurance LLC, Viking Range Corporation and Distinctive Designs by Tanarah.

The event also featured Derby-themed fare catered by Capers restaurant, with music by jazz trio The Real Thing.