By Anna-Claire Terry
Staff Reporter

Storybook Farm is gearing up for its annual fundraising event on May 7. The eighth annual  Kentucky Derby Dinner and Auction will be held on the grounds of Storybook Farm at 4 p.m. Guests are invited to sip on mint juleps and enjoy food, games, music and fun,  all while decked out in Kentucky Derby attire.
This year’s event is presented by The Mint Julep Boutique, and the distinguished guest speaker is Auburn University Football Offensive Coordinator Coach Rhett Lashlee. The Honorary Derby Dinner chair will be Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller. Guests will have the opportunity to pick the winning horse for a chance to win a Toyota Tacoma donated by Lynch Toyota of Auburn. Items up for auction include pieces from Jewelry by Design and a five-man, five-day dove hunt in Argentina with Maers and Goldman. The event gives attendees a taste of Lee County’s favorite restaurants. Participants this year are Acre, Ariccia, Cakes by Tania, Gigi’s Cupcakes, Hamilton’s, Irish Bred Pub, Live Oaks, Zazu, Ma Fia’s, Maestro 2300, Sweet Malisa’s and The Overall Co. Guests will vote for their favorite restaurant of the day, and a trophy will be awarded to the winner. There will also be a hat contest for the ladies.
Storybook Farm was founded by Dena Little and caters to children who are dealing with grief, sickness or have special needs. The farm’s mission it “to walk alongside children with uncertain futures and provide them with unyielding joy and hope.” According to the mission statement, it is a place for healing, learning, growing and sharing; where children can experience the exhilaration of riding and families can come together to support each other. Storybook Farm offers its services free of charge.
The Kentucky Derby Dinner and Auction will raise funds for various expenses the farm will have throughout the year. There are also plans in the works for an outdoor classroom and a community garden on the grounds. the cost of admission for the event is $85 or $1,000 for a table of 10. More information can be found at www.Hopeonhorseback.org.