LAKELAND, FL (Apr. 15, 2019) – There’s no need to travel all the way to Louisville, Kentucky or stay home to watch the 146th running of the Kentucky Derby on TV when the “greatest two minutes in sports,” as well as the traditions and pageantry that go with it, can be enjoyed at a festive event right in Lakeland, Florida.
A Kentucky Derby Day fundraiser sponsored by Catholic Charities of Central Florida Polk County Ministries allows race fans to experience the 2019 Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 4 in a festive atmosphere at Rocking H. Ranch, 2200 Ewell Road in Lakeland. The fun begins at 3:00 pm and includes hat contests for ladies and men, silent and live auctions, filmed horse races from the past, and of course, the Kentucky Derby
projected on a big screen TV live from Churchill Downs.
Prior to the big race and live auction, guests will be treated to Kentucky Derby-themed appetizers, entrees and desserts created by award-winning gourmet chef Tina Calhoon of Frescos in downtown Lakeland, as well as complimentary mint juleps.
Popular Tampa TV personalities Ken Suarez of Channel 13 FOX News and Melissa Marino of News Channel 8 On Your Side will serve as co-emcees, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd will be a special guest and featured in the live auction, and world renowned professional auctioneer Marty Higginbotham will conduct the live auction.
Individual tickets are $70 if purchased before April 20 or $75 after that. At the door, they are $85 each. Wine and mixed drinks can be purchased at a cash bar.
Levels of corporate sponsorship and what they offer are $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, internet recognition and more; $5,000 Best in Show: preferred seating for 10, on-screen ads and signage; $1,000 Thoroughbreds: guaranteed seating for 10 and special recognition; and $500 Patron: five tickets and program mention.
Proceeds will go to four Catholic Charities Polk County Ministries programs
serving needy Polk County children, families and seniors — the Agape Mission Market in Lake Wales; the Lakeland Activity Center for Seniors; Mobile Services for Seniors serving Lake Wales and Polk City; and the county-wide Family Stability initiative.
“Funds raised by Kentucky Derby Day help sustain our programs that provide
vital services for children, families and seniors 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 Kentucky Derby Day sponsor, people can donate silent auction items, make cash donations or serve as volunteers on race day. “There are many ways to help this worthy cause,” Baker said.
To purchase tickets online, make a sponsorship commitment or learn more about Kentucky Derby Day, visit the website at . The website includes profiles on the Catholic Charities programs benefitting from the event and an up-to-date scrolling list of sponsors.
Information can also be obtained by calling Baker at 407-451-5315 or sending her an e-mail at rbaker@cflcc.org.