LAKELAND, FL (Apr. 6, 2018) – Why travel all the way to Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky or stay home to watch the Kentucky Derby on TV when the world famous horse race and the traditions and pageantry associated with it can be enjoyed right in Lakeland, Florida?
That’s right. Thanks to a Kentucky Derby Day fundraiser sponsored by Catholic Charities Polk County Ministries, everyone can enjoy the 2018 running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 5 in a festive atmosphere at the Rocking H. Ranch at 2200 Ewell Road in Lakeland. The festivities begin at 4:00 pm and include hat contests for ladies and
men, silent and live auctions, and taped horse races leading up to the Kentucky Derby live from Churchill Downs at 6:00 pm. The “greatest two minutes in sports” will be seen in real time on a giant screen
All race fans will enjoy mint juleps and wine, as well as Kentucky Derby-themed appetizers, entrees and desserts prepared by award-winning gourmet chef Tina Calhoon of Frescos in downtown Lakeland. The dinner, underwritten in part by generous corporate sponsors, will precede the Kentucky Derby and a live auction to follow. Popular TV
personality Ken Suarez of Channel 13 FOX News in Tampa will be the emcee and
professional auctioneer Donald Kirkland will conduct the live auctions.
Individuals can enjoy all the festivities as well as the liquid refreshments and
delicious food for a donation of only $75 in advance or $85 at the door.
Corporate sponsors have many options to choose from, including the following: $15,000 Winner’s Circle, two VIP tables for up to 20 guests, scrolling on-screen ads at the event, webpage ads, speaking opportunities and other perks; $10,000 Triple Crown, priority seating for 10, on screen ads at the event, internet recognition and more; $5,000 Best in Show, preferred seating for 10, on screen ads and signage at the event; $1,000 Thoroughbreds, guaranteed seating for 10 and special recognition; and $500 Patron, five tickets and program mention.
The net proceeds will go to four Catholic Charities Polk County Ministries
programs serving underprivileged children, families and seniors in Polk County — the all new Agape Mission Markets earmarked for Lakeland, Lake Wales and Winter Haven; the Lakeland Activity Center for Seniors; Mobile Services for Seniors currently serving Lake Wales and Polk City and coming soon to other Polk County communities; and the Family Stability program.
“Funds raised by Kentucky Derby Day are vital to sustain our programs which serve children and adults of all faiths or no religious affiliation at all,” said Renee Baker, special events coordinator of Catholic Charities of Central Florida, in appealing to
individuals and members of the business community to “lend a helping hand.”
In addition to attending the event or being a sponsor, Baker said people can
become involved by donating silent and live auction items or making a cash donation. “There are a multitude of ways to help this worthy cause,” she said.
To purchase tickets online, learn how to become a corporate sponsor, donate funds and contribute items for the silent and live auctions, visit the dedicated Kentucky Derby Day website at . The website also includes a current list of sponsors and information on Catholic Charities projects benefitting from the event. Information on tickets and corporate sponsorships can also be obtained by calling Baker at 407-451-5315 or sending her an e-mail at rbaker@cflcc.org.