The University of Arizona Steele Children’s Research Center has received a $125,000 donation from the Arizona Elks Major Projects.
This donation is part of the Arizona Elks’ commitment to raise $2.5 million for the UA Steele Center over the next 10 years.
The check was presented to Lori Stratton, Steele Center development director, during the Arizona Elks’ mid-year convention in Phoenix.
“We are so grateful for the Elks’ lodges across Arizona who work hard throughout the year to raise funds for the UA Steele Center,” said Stratton. “It was amazing to attend their convention and witness their outpouring of support. I continue to be inspired by their commitment and generosity.”
Of their $2.5 million commitment, $1 million will support basic science research in autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease. In addition, funds will support the UA Steele Center’s new Phoenix location, which is focusing on clinical research projects in the areas of neonatology and autism.
The remaining $1.5 million will be used to complete the Arizona Elks Endowed Chair in Statewide Pediatric Research. The endowed chair will guarantee financial support in perpetuity, ensuring that the efforts made by the Arizona Elks today benefit children into the future.
“This endowed chair, once completed, will enable us to recruit a top-notch clinical research leader to oversee the clinical research program in Phoenix,” said Fayez K. Ghishan, MD, director of the UA Steele Center and head of the UA Department of Pediatrics. “The Arizona Elks truly are our partners in improving children’s health throughout Arizona and beyond.”
About the Arizona Elks
The Arizona Elks are comprised of approximately 30,000 members throughout Arizona. They work year-round to raise funds to support their theme: “Children’s laughter is what we’re after.” Each lodge holds fundraisers and special events to contribute to their commitment to improving the health of Arizona’s children.
Since 1991, the Arizona Elks have supported the UA Steele Center. The organization has raised more than $5 million and has accomplished the following:
• Established the Arizona Elks Endowed Chair in Neonatology Research;
• Supported basic science research in neonatology;
• Created the Arizona Elks Laboratories for Transplantation Research;
• Funded numerous seed research grants;
• Renovated the pediatric outpatient clinic at UAMC, now named the Arizona Elks Pediatric Clinic;
• Funded education and clinical research programs; and
• Established the Marvin Lewis Pediatric Teaching Center.