Milton Rallies Together to Support Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

Storm clouds hovered over Chukkar Farms for much of Saturday, May 4, but they lifted (almost on cue) and the sun came out as more than 500 guests arrived for The 2nd Annual Down & Derby, benefiting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The event was co-sponsored by The Jenny Doyle Group and Berkeley Access.

Hosted by the Milton Friends of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, the Down & Derby has quickly ascended to the top of Atlanta’s philanthropic social scene, this year raising more than $255,000. It was the largest single-day charity fundraiser in Milton’s history. Proceeds raised through sponsorships, ticket sales, and live and silent auctions will directly support three donor-funded programs: Specialized Summer Camps, the Artist-in-Residence Program, and the Music Therapy Program.

Milton mom and committee member Jennifer Lux has seen the importance of these programs first-hand. Her seven-year-old son was rushed to Scottish Rite in late February with a severe infection of unknown origin.

“Hospitals can be scary and intimidating places for young children who are largely confined to a hospital bed. To see my son, and so many other children in crisis, perk up at the opportunity to express themselves through art and music, was something I will never forget. These creative outlets broke up a truly stressful time for our family, and I’m so grateful to Children’s and the donors who fund these programs for helping to turn my son’s frown upside down.”

In addition to the two hospital programs mentioned above, Down & Derby proceeds also support specialized summer camps hosted by Children’s for current and former pediatric patients who are managing complex health and medical conditions.

Event co-chair, Shelley Massey, commented, “As a mother of four, I love seeing how excited my children get at the opportunity to attend summer camp. But for many families, that rite of passage isn’t an easy one to cross, because their children are navigating medical hurdles that make traditional camps impossible to attend. Thanks to Children’s, hundreds of children can enjoy a fun summer camp experience that is tailored to their specific health needs. Camps such as “Camp Braveheart,” “Camp No Limb-itations” and “Camp Krazy Legs” are just a few examples of donor-funded camps that bring endless amounts of joy to children who deserve it."

The Second Annual Down & Derby built upon the success of its inaugural year, with general admission tickets selling out in less than five minutes online. Event Co-Chairs Wendy Lewis and Shelley Massey, working in tandem with several dozen volunteers who comprise the Milton Friends of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, pulled together an iconic evening that gave many North Atlanta residents a chance to give back to a charity that means a lot to them.

In addition to funds raised through sponsorships and ticket sales, Down & Derby guests had plenty of opportunities on site to support the cause. Live and silent auctions boasted more than $140,000 in donated items and ranged from luxury trips overseas to top shelf dining experiences. Hundreds of guests participated in a pre-race Derby raffle before cheering for their chosen horse(s) as the race was televised live on a large jumbotron screen.

To keep the evening lively, volunteers planned many fun activities ranging from a “Hit it and Get It” bourbon challenge to a “Ring for Rose” wall. Live music was provided by local teenage celebrity and acoustic singer, Roco Gorelik, and guests danced the night away to the 2024 Down & Derby band, “Color the Night.” Cambridge High School's band also supported the evening by providing live brass music, including a Call to Post moments before the Derby began.

Fashion for the second annual event did not disappoint, as guests entered Chukkar Farms wearing a sea of bright colors. Elegant fascinators, pinstriped suits, and preppy suspenders transformed the rustic palette of Chukkar Farms into a rainbow of color, including splashes of neon as well as feminine pastels and florals, which paired perfectly with the most popular fashion accessory of the evening, cowboy boots.

Décor for the 2024 Down & Derby fundraiser was carefully tailored by Party Bound, who elevated the farm’s rustic charm by adding cozy sofas and chairs, colorful floral arrangements, luxury lighting, and a custom-made Derby horseshoe floral backdrop which oozed Kentucky-meets-Georgia charm. The Pp Shop Balloons graced a lit “D-E-R-B-Y” marquis in front of Chukkar’s 150-year-old barn.

When not bidding on the live or silent auction, visiting the art gallery, or enjoying one of the evening’s activities, guests enjoyed appetizers and dinner. Low Country Catering and Chicken Salad Chick worked with Charcuter Lea to keep hunger at bay. Pour Pony Mobile Bar greeted guests with mint juleps from Angel’s Envy upon arrival and Gate City Brewing donated all beer for the evening.

The 2024 Down & Derby was made possible thanks to generous support from the community, including several local businesses who sponsored the event. Presenting Sponsors included The Jenny Doyle Group and Berkeley Access; the Garland of Roses Sponsor was LocumTenens; Mint Julep Sponsors included First Horizon Bank, CNA Insurance, Stevie Interiors, The Kloster Group, Livingston Fine Homes, Jamison Private Wealth Management, Window World, Calloway Title and Escrow, and Pinnacle Endodontics. Finish Line Sponsors included The Scout Guide, Peach on a Leash, Brad Poole Group, Zaxby's, Low Country Catering, Blue Sky Law, Brant Gilmore/Truist Mortgage, United BMW, Prestige Tree, Matthew Cresap - State Farm, Hunt Wealth Management, Remedy Medical Properties, American Century Investments, and The Cueny Team.

To learn more about how you can support the Milton Friends of Children’s Healthcare in Atlanta in a volunteer or sponsor capacity, please email friendsofchoamilton@gmail.com.

ABOUT THE FRIENDS...

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. 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 sale of yard hearts for Valentine’s Day, and the newly minted “Down & Derby” Spring Roundup in May. To learn more about how you can support the Milton Friends of CHOA, please email friendsofchoamilton@gmail.com.