MONROE - Kentucky Derby parties are a chance for those who live far from Louisville's Churchill Downs to take in the horse race on television, surrounded by crowds sporting the large hats and colorful springtime outfits famously worn at the "Run for the Roses."
The Monroe Chamber of Commerce found the idea inspiring and decided to host a Kentucky Derby party to raise funds for local organizations. Executive Director Cara Carper noted the change was a chance to bring some variety to the city.
"We decided to change it up," Carper said. "Do something that hasn't been done in Monroe before."
Fundraising parties are not new to the area, but the Derby party is being hosted for the first time this year. "Hats, Horses and Hope" will take place at Turner Hall on May 6.
Previously, associations and businesses throughout the area purchased lavishly decorated Christmas trees as part of an annual holiday fundraiser, Carper said. Eventually, each potential buyer possessed one, so Party with a Purpose was born. For roughly four years, Carper said, the event was a positive fundraiser, but the Chamber decided to try something new.
Green Haven Family Advocates, Habitat for Humanity of Green County, the Sexual Assault Recovery Program and the Research & Education Association for Clinical Health will each be recipients of May's fundraiser. Each group requested to be a part of the event to bolster funding.
True to Derby tradition, the Monroe event will include mint juleps and a live jazz band. Live auction games will commence as the evening continues on with hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction. The race begins at 5:30 p.m. local time, and Carper said she hopes everyone takes full advantage of the chance to dress the part - there will even be a best dressed contest.
"I'm really hoping people go all out," Carper said.
Tickets for the event are $40 and can be purchased at the Monroe Chamber of Commerce office, or the offices of any of the four organizations co-hosting the event. There will also be a raffle for jewelry provided by Luecke Jewelers. Tickets for the raffle can be purchased at any of those locations as well.
The Monroe Chamber of Commerce found the idea inspiring and decided to host a Kentucky Derby party to raise funds for local organizations. Executive Director Cara Carper noted the change was a chance to bring some variety to the city.
"We decided to change it up," Carper said. "Do something that hasn't been done in Monroe before."
Fundraising parties are not new to the area, but the Derby party is being hosted for the first time this year. "Hats, Horses and Hope" will take place at Turner Hall on May 6.
Previously, associations and businesses throughout the area purchased lavishly decorated Christmas trees as part of an annual holiday fundraiser, Carper said. Eventually, each potential buyer possessed one, so Party with a Purpose was born. For roughly four years, Carper said, the event was a positive fundraiser, but the Chamber decided to try something new.
Green Haven Family Advocates, Habitat for Humanity of Green County, the Sexual Assault Recovery Program and the Research & Education Association for Clinical Health will each be recipients of May's fundraiser. Each group requested to be a part of the event to bolster funding.
True to Derby tradition, the Monroe event will include mint juleps and a live jazz band. Live auction games will commence as the evening continues on with hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction. The race begins at 5:30 p.m. local time, and Carper said she hopes everyone takes full advantage of the chance to dress the part - there will even be a best dressed contest.
"I'm really hoping people go all out," Carper said.
Tickets for the event are $40 and can be purchased at the Monroe Chamber of Commerce office, or the offices of any of the four organizations co-hosting the event. There will also be a raffle for jewelry provided by Luecke Jewelers. Tickets for the raffle can be purchased at any of those locations as well.