The Kentucky Derby: The Greatest Two Minutes In Sports
The Kentucky Derby. The greatest two minutes in sports and probably one of the most iconic events in America. Everyone loves Churchill Down’s southern traditions. Mint Juleps, garlands of red roses, seersucker suits and HATS. The bigger the better for this bucket list trip. While some of us are lucky enough to attend a running of the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, KY, most of us merely get to watch it on TV. It was during one of those “Derby Watch Parties” that I was inspired to take the theme and run with it for my charity of choice.
Founding a Signature Event: A Passion Project Benefiting Homeward Bound
I was serving as the chairman of the board at Homeward Bound, a nonprofit based in Arizona that serves the needs of families going through homelessness, something affects thousands of children and families in Maricopa County, Arizona every year. The program provides these vulnerable families with not just housing, but a real pathway out of poverty — so they never become homeless again. Read more about Homeward Bound’s success stories! After nearly a decade of service on the Board of Directors, I realized it had been at least that long since we had a new, fresh event to benefit our families.
With little more that a desire to don a beautiful hat and a resolve to change the charity event landscape in Phoenix, I set to work convincing my fellow board members and staff that it was a brilliant idea to take a chance on a new concept. The desert Southwest, not exactly the green rolling hills of Kentucky. While we weren’t technically the South, we were close enough. We had horses in Arizona, maybe not thoroughbred horses, so I made it a point to caution people that this wasn’t a rodeo but a day of glamour, great food, lots of drinks and wagering on the ponies.
The Venue: The Arizona Biltmore
By now it was May and we had all just attended countless galas and luncheons in various resort ballrooms in the valley, eating bad chicken dinners and suffering through yet another live auction. Most people were ready to get outside, shed the ball gowns and tuxedos and just have a wonderful time watching and wagering on the ponies. My husband was thrilled with the prospect of cigars and bourbon! Homeward Bound’s Annual Derby Affair attracted over 500 guests to the historic 19th green of the Arizona Biltmore Resort, a perfect backdrop for such a glorious outdoor event!
Reserved Bungalows: The Parties Within the Party
Staged on the luxurious green turf of the Arizona Biltmore hotel, guests found themselves strolling the grounds, voting on best dressed, best hat and best dressed couple all while enjoying the races being simulcast on big screen TVs set up throughout the venue. We took the concept one step further and created bungalows that our donors could sponsor to host friends or business clients. These higher priced reserved tents were parties within our larger party, and year after year, the number of bungalows sponsored grew and grew. A new comradery and competition sprang up to have the most elaborately dressed guests or raise the most money for the cause.
Authentic Southern Cuisine: A Delectable Feast
As a tribute to the blue grass state, Arizona Biltmore chefs prepared a culinary feast of southern favorites including fried green tomatoes, Burgoo Stew, cheese grits and Southern fried chicken. Guests quenched their thirst with glasses of sweet tea and sipped on traditional Kentucky Derby favorites, including Mint Juleps and Kentucky Swamp Water. The display of desserts were a work of art! There are many tempting sweets – Flambe’ Bananas Foster, fresh strawberries and cream, macaroons, peach Southern Comfort cheesecake and Kentucky Derby Pie, to name a few.
What’s a Kentucky Derby Party without Hats, Hats, HATS!
The Phoenician women did NOT disappoint. It was a parade of Derby hats of every size, shape and color that perfectly coordinated with their ensembles. Women gracefully dressed for the day of races, wagering, dining and socializing. If you think picking the winning horse against the Kentucky Derby odds was tough, be thankful you weren’t one of the judges trying to select the best hat among all the fabulous choices.
Dapper and Dramatic: The Gents and the Couples
Hold your horses!! The hats were beautiful, however, it wasn’t just the fillies who were fashionable. The event was full of classy couture and snappy accessories for men who want to make a bold statement. From panama hats to seersucker suits, the men competed for “Best Dressed” Kentucky Derby worthy bragging rights. Not only were our couples well heeled, they perfectly complimented their Derby dates!
The power women of A Derby Affair
Beautiful ladies joined together and came dressed in full regalia to celebrate and donate generously to the families of Homeward Bound. Arizona may not have the actual Kentucky Derby but you would never know it by how lovely they were. It truly showcased women who were not only beautiful inside but out.
The Judges Decision: Best Hat, Best Dressed, Best Wedge and Best Dressed Couple
All in the spirit of the Kentucky Derby, our esteemed judges were Mrs. Brenda Howard (where is that dapper hubby, Mr. Jim Howard, Jr?) and Mr. George Abrams of George Abrams Events. Two fashion icons of the Valley who had their work cut out for them. There was no shortage of finalists and the contests became one of the highlights of the jam packed day! Competition was fierce and guests love the chance to engage in the event rather than just sit at a table. We even had a people’s choice award to encourage mingling and campaigning!
What would Oscar Do? Fashion producer, style critic, writer and creative director, Oscar de las Salas brought his fashion forward sensibilities to grace us as a judge. Everywhere he goes, he raises he bar on how to look fabulous while supporting a worth cause!
Event Elements: The Devil is in the Details
To be a successful Kentucky Derby event, every detail should be flawlessly executed. From the food to the flowers and everything in between adds to the guest experience. With so many good causes and events to support, it is important to elevate your game. Event planner extraordinaire, Angelic Grove never disappointed year after year with their flare for décor and centerpieces. Keeping costs under control was a challenge because of the scale of the event, but Mark and Angela Karp worked with Homeward Bound to keep expenses low. Photo credit goes to talented Valley professional photographers, Erik Merkow of Erik Merkow Photography and Vanessa Gibbs-McWhirter of Bliss Boutique Photography who captured every detail!
While socializing in the millionaire row, guests strolled through the silent auction, bought tickets for fabulous raffle prizes, and had a photo-op with our “derby” horses. All eyes watched the thrill of the Kentucky Derby “Run for the Roses” as we simulcast the running of the magnificent thoroughbreds LIVE. You could tell who won by the number of Derby guests who are celebrating “the greatest two minutes in sports” with their winning tickets! Wagering with real money wasn’t allowed but we let our guests use their Derby Dollars to bid on silent auction items.
Over $1,000,000 dollars raised: The horses weren’t the only winners at A Derby Affair
A Kentucky Derby horse carries with it down the homestretch, the hopes and efforts of dozens of people who have been a part of its life: the night watchman at the foaling barn; the stable hand who helped pull the foal; the attendant who led the horse into the sales ring; the groom who feeds and cares for the horse daily; and the exercise rider, the veterinarian, the trainer, the owner, the jockey and all those cheering for their success!
When you think about it, a Kentucky Derby horse is not unlike a Homeward Bound family, who carries with them the hopes of a new beginning, and is supported by the efforts of family sponsors and volunteers who lend a hand; community donors, foundations, corporations, who provide financial support; case managers, maintenance technicians, employment coordinators, and counselors who have taught a new skill and offered a kind word. At the end of a beautiful day we all win.
A Derby Affair went on to become Homeward Bound’s signature event for 8 consecutive years, raising over one million dollars.
