Pony Up For A Derby Day Fundraiser!

May’s annual Kentucky Derby is always a spectacular spectacle. Who doesn’t love seeing the over-the-top toppers the attendees wear? Come celebrate the Run for The Roses at a Kentucky Derby-themed event on Saturday, May 6.

By Peg Cameron Gill Bring your best hat-titude to a Derby Day bash hosted by The Alliance of Southwest Missouri (SWMO). The Kentucky Derby-themed fundraiser, “An Afternoon at the Races,” will take place Saturday, May 6, from 3 to 6 pm at Adaline Acres in Carl Junction, Mo. Saddle up for a good time as you view the “mane” event live. Get creative at a hat-decorating station. Compete in a showy chapeau contest. Wager what you’re willing on simulated horse races. Sip some mint juleps. Try your luck at a raffle, and a silent auction. All to benefit the Alliance of SWMO. The organization is celebrating 25 years of service this year, and will unveil its new logo and updated branding at the event. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time for $30 through The Alliance website, or for $35 at the door. What a great way to watch the 149th installment  of “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports.” You bet-tor believe it’ll be a fun time! The Alliance of SWMO exists to make Southwest Missouri the safest place for children to thrive. The  501(c)3 organization does this by offering education and resources for children and their families in Jasper, Newton, Barton, and McDonald Counties. Support from the community makes its programming possible. The Alliance advances the well-being of kids and the grown-ups in their lives. It champions critical issues, aligns leaders, and delivers solutions where they’re needed most. The organization exists to prevent and alleviate childhood trauma in Southwest Missouri and promise to do what needs to be done to keep the kids in its community safe.  Since 1998, The Alliance has evolved and grown tremendously to serve its local communities better. It offers activities and programs to a four-county service area at minimal or no cost to qualifying residents. The Alliance is that “hand-up” to the children and families of Southwest Missouri, and will continue to work hand in hand with its many outstanding community partners and neighbor agencies.  The Alliance’s most current statistics show it has served 25,000 clients, clocked 6,500 volunteer hours, and impacted 10,000 children. This Derby Day fundraiser’s a great way to help! For a fun fact about Derby winners, check out this link from Missouri Life. For another fun article on speedy steeds and their riders – who weren’t necessarily Derby duets – check out this story. For hundreds more events, visit Missouri Life’s Event Calendar.