Last year at this time things were topsy-turvy with the pandemic’s new world abnormal creating limited ways of fundraising. Still, the annual Kentucky Derby stampeded on at Churchill Downs, where the gallery was drastically reduced. Over at Turtle Creek Park, the annual Day at the Races was barren of people because the event had gone totally virtual. Still, the sat-at-home fundraiser was “the third best performing event ever” for the Turtle Creek Conservancy.
As North Texans are starting to put their pedicured toes into the get-together water, the 13th Annual Day at the Races on Saturday, May 1, will be a hybrid affair. That means come-rain-or-shine, the partying will go on with Regina Bruce, Dr. Carla Russo and Tammany Stern serving as honorary co-chairs.
According to the trio, “Like Day at the Races, featuring Derby horses moving forward in one direction with clear intention, to benefit the Turtle Creek Conservancy, so do we, as community leaders and volunteers, strive to move forward to help others with great purpose and in the spirit of unity and service. Therefore, we are truly honored to lend our names to this year’s event and to use our voices in support of protecting this natural, historic treasure located in the heart of our beautiful city.”
Like last year there will be the deliciously successful “Derby in a Box” that can accommodate two to four people containing a selection of Buttermilk Biscuits with Bourbon Glazed Ham, Smoked Salmon, Traditional Kentucky Benedictine Spread with Crudités, Cheese and Cracker Platter, Macarons, Cookies, mini Kentucky Derby Walnut and Chocolate Pies, mini Bourbon for Mint Juleps, small Scout and Cellar Wine bottle, other refreshments and fun Derby beads.
Guests will have the option of either watching and dining at home or bringing their Box to Turtle Creek Park’s beautiful grounds in front of Arlington Hall to picnic and watch the livestream on your cellphone and/or tablet.
And what would the annual run for the roses be without some over-the-top fashions? So naturally the Derby Hat contest will be held and live-streamed from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. along with live and silent auctions and “wagering tickets.”
While Derby Boxes are going for $150, sponsorships start at $750. BTW, sponsorships come with all types of perks. Why, the Mint Julep Sponsorship even lets the sponsor in a pre-taped presentation “entertain the crowd with their knowledge and skills of how to assemble the perfect Mint Julep using the contents of the ‘drink-kit’ included in the Derby Box.” To learn about the other pluses of sponsorship, check with Amanda Ward.
Proceeds from the event will “support the Park’s 20 acres of rolling lawns, over 1,500 trees, a beautiful creek and a home for flora and fauna just north of downtown Dallas.”
* Graphic provided by Turtle Creek Conservancy ** Photo credit: Danny Campbell
Regina Bruce says
Thank you MSC helping spread the word about the 2021 Day at the Races event benefiting the Turtle Creek Conservancy. We sincerely appreciate your support.