UAMS Programs Win Big in Julep Cup Jaunt

By Nate Hinkel

Julep Cup emcee Rene Shapiro (right) announces the winner of the iPad raffle.
Julep Cup emcee Rene Shapiro (right) announces the winner of the iPad 2 raffle.

Ashley Ross, M.D., co-director of the UAMS NICU, says support from events like Julep Cup go along way toward patient care.
Ashley Ross, M.D., co-director of the UAMS NICU, says support from events like Julep Cup go along way toward patient care.

Jazz trio The Real Thing entertained guests in the lobby before the race.
Jazz trio The Real Thing entertained guests in the lobby before the race.

Over the last nine years, the event has raised more than $150,000 for UAMS programs.

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 I’ll Have Another, the race had most in attendance standing and cheering. Many were pulling for Arkansas Derby winner Bodemeister, which held a convincing lead around the final turn before being chased down in the last 10 yards by I’ll Have Another.

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, Paul Wendel, M.D., professor and maternal-fetal specialist in the UAMS Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, spoke to the crowd.

“The maternal-fetal medicine specialists at UAMS are the only board-certified sub-specialists in the state managing high-risk pregnancies,” he said. “We are all dedicated to improving maternal and child outcomes through the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of both maternal and fetal diseases. The support we receive helps us meet the state’s needs and to continue providing the top-notch, innovative care Arkansans deserve.”

Ashley Ross, M.D., a neonatologist and co-director in the
UAMS NICU and associate professor of pediatrics, also
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,” Ross said. “It truly makes a difference in the lives of so many families for us to have this additional support.”

A silent auction included a Viking grill, box seats for six at Oaklawn, a golf outing for four at Southern Oaks Country Club and Maumelle Country Club, a play gym from Family Leisure, Arkansas Travelers tickets, Razorback memorabilia, artwork including a Barry Thomas print, jewelry,
a Barbara Jean beauty extravaganza, restaurant gift cards,
and more. An iPad 2 was raffled and a hat contest for the most fabulous derby hat was held.

Sponsors included USA Drug; The Hat Club, Arvest Bank; Colliers International, Regions Insurance Inc.; U.S. Foods; First Arkansas Bank and Trust; Entergy Arkansas; Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard P.L.L.C.; Regions Bank; CenterPoint Energy; Affiliated Real Estate Appraisers of Arkansas; Bankers Assurance LLC; Clark Contractors; JPMS Cox; Williams & Anderson PLC; Simmons Bank, Waco Title; 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.