Milton Shows True Humanitarian Spirit Through Generous Giving

More than 400 Milton residents came together to support the “Inaugural Down and Derby Spring Fling” on Saturday, May 6, at Chukkar Farm. The event, which sold out in less than 48 hours, raised $161,000 to support Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (Children’s). Funds raised will allow 161 children with complex health and medical conditions to attend specialized camps this summer, free of charge. The event was the largest single-day fundraiser since Milton’s incorporation in 2006 and was hosted by the Milton Friends of Children’s.

The Down and Derby was the brainchild of Milton residents Shelley Massey and Wendy Lewis, two busy moms who relocated their families to Milton from Buckhead in 2020.

“Milton caught our attention for its thoughtful balance of growth and history, and since moving here, we’ve realized that the thing that makes Milton the most special is its sense of community. The people here are what makes it truly unique,” said event Co-Chair, Shelley Massey. “Both Wendy and I were active participants in Friends groups for Children’s when we lived downtown, so when we moved out to Milton and realized no such group existed here, it only made sense to create one given the philanthropic nature of this community.”

To ensure the Down and Derby went off without a hitch, Massey and Lewis built a top-tier planning committee of nearly 50 women who worked tirelessly for the past six months. “We really wanted to keep this event hyper-local; it was held in Milton by Milton residents, so we wanted every single facet of the evening to pull from Milton’s own resources. From the flowers to the food to the farm that housed us… there’s just no place like home, and we wanted to keep a local focus front and center throughout the evening,” said event Co-Chair, Wendy Lewis.

As guests arrived at Chukkar Farm on a sunny, spring evening, unlimited food, drink, and live music awaited them. Students from Cambridge High School’s wind ensemble played a variety of derby-themed pieces as guests processed from valet parking into the registration barn. To set a visual tone and keep the event’s focus of people helping people, rustic wood stalls were lined with moving displays of young campers (and their families) whose lives have been touched by the summer camp program at Children’s. Children with autism spectrum disorder, craniofacial abnormalities, heart defects, limb deficiencies or amputations, osteogenesis imperfecta, seizure disorders, sickle cell disease, solid organ transplants, kidney disease, spina bifida and thalassemia can all participate. Camps are 100% donor funded, so campers attend at no cost to their families.

In the farm's main area, guests kicked up their boots with a variety of themed events ranging from optional race wagering on derby horses, to a Belle Gloss Ring Toss, a Ring for Rose Wall, a live polo match, live coverage of the Derby on numerous large-screen TVs, an extensive silent and live auction, music provided by “We Got the Beat” and a surprise visit and performance from Dolly Parton’s doppelgänger.

For discerning guests who preferred a more exclusive event experience, the event boasted a “Fillies and Stallions” VIP experience, an exclusive lounge area with a private bar, top-shelf bourbon and bubbly, private photo opportunities with a polo horse, local gourmet food, a dedicated TV to view the Derby, a private restroom and seating area, a premiere bourbon tasting experience provided by Angel’s Envy, VIP gift bags, and morning-after takeaways.

Aliesha Porto, Milton resident and operations director for event sponsor, Stevie Interiors, reflected on her experience. “It was such a wonderful evening, and many guests continue to reflect upon it and look forward to next year. There is no greater feeling than seeing your friends and neighbors all come together to raise a record-breaking amount of money for a cause that means so much. The decorations were on point; the energy…electric! I’ve never seen so many fun fascinators, boots and dresses. The activities were incredibly creative; I can only imagine the many hours of hard work and preparation that went into pulling this event off. The silent auction, alone, had more than $75,000 of donated items and experiences; I had a blast bidding!”

Much of the event’s fundraising success stems from support from event sponsors, both cash and in-kind. The event’s Presenting Sponsor was the Jenny Doyle Group; Mint Julip Sponsors included Seth Gray of First Horizon and Brant Gilmore of Truist; Finish Line Sponsors included; Oxbow Real Estate; American Century Investments; Ansley Real Estate; Christie’s International Real Estate; In Home Luxury Real Estate; Concierge Insurance Group; Window World; Stevie Interiors; The Southern Porch; and The Tinter Family Foundation. Additionally, 26 Patron Sponsors purchased premium tickets to support the goal of raising at least $100,000 to send at least 100 children to specialized summer camps.

In addition to event guests and planning committee members, a team from Children’s was present leading up to and throughout the evening. Alex Faas, Development Director of Annual Events, commented, “Our team has been completely blown away by the philanthropic spirit of the Milton community. The joy created during the Inaugural Down and Derby has been infectious; not only will we remember the smiles and laughter of everyone who attended that evening, but their donations will transform into countless smiles and endless laughter for 161 incredible children who can now experience the joys of summer camp without fear or concern about their medical conditions.”

Moving forward, the Milton Friends of Children’s is already planning a Second Annual Down and Derby to be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024, as well as a variety of other exciting seasonal fundraisers. To learn more about how to sponsor a Milton Friends of Children’s event, or to become a volunteer with the group, please email friendsofchoamilton@gmail.com.

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. There is no fee to become a Milton Friend of Children’s. 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, a Jingle Mingle, the sale of yard hearts for Valentine’s Day, and the newly minted “Down & Derby” in May. To learn more about how you can support the Milton Friends of Children’s as a sponsor or volunteer, please email friendsofchoamilton@gmail.com.

FAST FACTS ABOUT THE FRIENDS OF CHILDREN’S HEALTHCARE OF ATLANTA

· Individual Friends groups operate in and around Atlanta and are comprised of dedicated volunteers who embrace the planning and execution of grassroots fundraising events.

· All funds raised by the Friends Groups support specific programmatic or operational needs associated with Children’s and their charitable foundation.

· In 2022, Friends raised more than $3.6 million to support the Never Settle Campaign associated with the construction of the brand new, Arthur M. Blank Hospital opening in fall 2024.

· Friends groups are made up of 100% volunteers, and every dollar donated through the group goes directly towards funding strategic priorities for Children’s.

· The Camper Program includes diagnosis-specific residential summer camps, weekend family camps, and teen retreats. There is no fee for campers (or families) to attend the camps.

· Children’s would like to provide a camp experience to at least 500 campers in 2023 (estimated cost - $500,000+). One hundred and sixty-five children will now be able to attend camp thanks to funds raised through the Inaugural Down and Derby.

· Specialized summer camps serve patients with autism spectrum disorder, craniofacial abnormalities, heart defects, limb deficiencies or amputations, osteogenesis imperfecta, seizure disorders, sickle cell disease, solid organ transplants, kidney disease, spina bifida and thalassemia. Most of these patients are unable to attend other mainstream camps due to their condition(s).

· For more information on the Friends of Children’s, please visit https://choaholiday.org/about friends/.