The Arizona Elks Major Projects (AEMP) commitment to the work of the Steele Children’s Research Center began in 1992. Arizona Elks have made a significant difference in children’s health raising more than $9 million for Steele. In 2022, the AEMP has begun a 5 year commitment to raise $2.5 million for Steele that will be focused on healthy brain development in children through the protection agains
t injury; nutrition and brain development; and causes, diagnosis, and treatment of injury. Arizona Elks provides direct support for the Marvin Lewis Pediatric Teaching Center, the Arizona Elks Pediatric Clinic, the Phoenix Translational Research Center, and have endowed three chairs at Steel. The Nanotechnology Research chair is making major research discoveries about potentially fatal diseases; the Statewide Pediatric Research chair helped establish the Phoenix Branch of Steele in order to treat a greater number of children in the state; and the Technology and Innovation Fund invests in the latest cutting edge instruments to ensure scientists have the tools to discover breakthroughs for children. On the sixth floor of the Steele Center research tower, three laboratories were underwritten by the Arizona Elks, and a charter wall lists the specific lodges and individuals who participated in that effort. Additionally, thousands of books, toys, beanies and blankets have been distributed in the hope that no child leaves the Elks Pediatric Clinic empty handed. Warter Youth Camp North of Globe, AZ. The camp is available to 501(c)(3) chartered youth groups in the State at no charge and averages more than 1000 campers every year.
