Community Invited to Support Second Annual “Down & Derby” Fundraiser

The Milton Friends of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is pleased to announce the Second Annual Down & Derby on Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 6-10 p.m. at Chukkar Farm. This year’s much anticipated event has been themed, “May the Horse be With You” and will include derby fashion, live race viewing, a race wagering raffle, dinner, dancing, a live and silent auction, live music, and an exciting array of on-site activities. The event’s Presenting Sponsors include The Jenny Doyle Group and Berkeley Capital Partners.

Currently, community members and local businesses are invited to support the Down & Derby through sponsorships and donations of luxury items ($150 and above) to benefit the event’s Silent Auction.

Event sponsorships range from $1,250 to $25,000 each and include the following opportunities: Presenting Sponsor ($25,000); Garland of Roses Sponsor ($10,000); Mint Julep Sponsor ($5,000); Finish Line Sponsor ($2,500), and Winners Circle Patron, ($1,250). Sponsorships will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, and will include guaranteed tickets to the event if purchased by February 1. Registration details are HERE.

The Second Annual Down & Derby is being hosted by the Milton Friends of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, a volunteer, grassroots fundraising group of local moms who work tirelessly to raise money to support Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

With strong community support of the Inaugural Down & Derby, the Milton Friends of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta raised a record-breaking $161,000 in 2023 which enabled 161 children with complex medical and physical conditions to attend specialized camps hosted by Children’s free of charge. The planning committee has set an ambitious fundraising goal of $200,000 for the 2024 event.

Wendy Lewis, Host Committee Co-Chair, commented, “As a mother who has personally witnessed the incredible, lifesaving work of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta first-hand, I can’t think of a more worthy beneficiary for this event. This year, all funds raised will once again support their incredible summer camp programs, as well as two specific donor-funded programs, “Artists in Residence” and “Music Therapy.” Each program provides much-needed distractions for patients, strengthening the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social abilities, connecting them with other patients who face similar medical hurdles.

Since this year’s Derby takes place on the infamous “Star Wars Day” (May 4), the Second Annual Derby has been themed, “May the Horse Be with You” and will make nods to this iconic movie through event branding and activities.

Event Co-Chair, Shelley Massey, confirmed appearances by band Color the Night and pre-event entertainment by Rocco Gorelik. Additionally, a massive LED wall will air the derby live, guests can look forward to a “Hit It and Get It” Bourbon Challenge, a Best Dressed Competition, a live polo demonstration, guest appearances by members of the award-winning French horn section/wind ensemble at Cambridge High School, local fare from Low Country Catering, premium bars provided by Empire Distributors, and more!

Current Presenting Sponsors ($25,000) include the Jenny Doyle Group and Berkeley Capital Partners. Winner’s Circle Sponsors ($10,000) include LocumTenens.com. Mint Julep Sponsors ($5,000) include First Horizon/Seth Gray, Stevie Interiors, Pinnacle Endodontics; the Kloster Group; Livingston Fine Homes. Finish Line Sponsors ($2,500) include The Cueny Team, American Century Investments, Peach on a Leash and The Scout Guide, Alpharetta/Milton/Roswell.

General admission tickets to attend the event can be purchased online beginning March 1, 2024, and attendance will be capped at 500 guests. Tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and advance purchase is required. Last year’s tickets sold out in less than 48 hours. General admission tickets are being sold for $175 each. The Down and Derby will be held rain or shine.

Questions about the event can be directed to Zoe Decker, Senior Program Coordinator at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Zoe.Decker@choa.org.

ABOUT THE MILTON FRIENDS OF CHILDREN’S HEALTHCARE OF ATLANTA

The Milton Friends of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta launched in October 2022 as part of a larger network of Friends groups in and around the greater Atlanta area. It is the largest and fastest growing volunteer, grassroots fundraising group in Milton. The group raised more than $200,000 to support Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in their inaugural year.

There is no fee to become a Milton Friend of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Participants just need to possess a heartfelt desire to volunteer their time, talent, and treasure. Annual fundraising events include the sale of Children’s Boo signs at Halloween, a mailbox decorating brigade during the holidays, the Jingle Mingle, the sale of yard hearts for Valentine’s Day, and the annual “Down & Derby” each May.

To learn more about how you can support the Milton Friends of CHOA, please email Friendsofchoamilton@gmail.com or log onto their social media accounts, https://www.instagram.com/frie... or https://www.facebook.com/Milton-Friends-of-CHOA-105258802347527.

2024 DOWN & DERBY HOST COMMITTEE CHAIRS

· Event Chair/Sponsorship - Shelley Massey and Wendy Lewis

· Auction - Ashley Edmonds and Kim Ritter

· Decor - Jill Dunn and Jamie Powell

· Entertainment/Activities – Caroline Slayton and Moji Campbell

· Food and Beverage - Kristi Favalli

· Media/Marketing/Public Relations – Megan Bowman

· Operations – Melissa Morris and Kelsey Alzola

· Social Media – Shelley Massey

· VIP Experience– Shyann Malone, Ami Bajpai, Laura Lee Barnes