Over 80 ARCS Foundation Members and Guests toured the CAMLS Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation in Tampa on July 26, 2012.  Paul Ayres and Nikki LeClair of CAMLS led the tours of the innovative state of the art facility that is leading the nation in teaching and learning patient centered care with the latest equipment.
 
Linda Seefeldt, President of ARCS Foundation, welcomed the group with an overview of the history of how ARCS Foundation started over 50 years ago, and haven given over $75 Million in over 13,000 ARCS Scholar Awards to advance science in America.  In the new chapter in Florida, we have sponsored four ARCS Scholars at University of South Florida in the Cancer Biology Ph.D. Program in the College of Arts & Sciences, and in the Graduate Program in the College of Marine Science.
 
Rosemary Brehm, Vice President – Fund Development, shared the goals of ARCS Foundation here in Florida in our effort to invest in the economic development of the region.  Currently, we are seeking 20 Business Partners/Strategic Alliances; 20+ New Members; and $60,000 to sponsor four ARCS Scholars locally over three years.
 
Laura Blackwell, Vice President – Communications, was awarded the ARCS Light Award 2012, and presented the gifts from National ARCS Foundation.  Laura has been instrumental in setting up all ARCS Communications, website and systems since the founding of our chapter in Florida.
 
Elaine Smalling invited all to join our ARCS Team on November 3, 2012 for the Cure on Wheels Bike Ride to benefit Cancer Research and Patients.  All proceeds raised by our ARCS Team will go to fund a Cure on Wheels ARCS Scholar.
 
Heidi Toomey, one of our Initial ARCS Scholars, spoke of her research in Marine Science, and her appreciation to ARCS Foundation for supporting her advance studies of the water qualities.
 
Pat Johnson, Vice President/President Elect and Donna Killoren coordinated and organized the event, with help from many members.  It was a first class event at an innovative impressive facility.