BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH
KENDYLH@
OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
OPELIKA —
Get ready to don a dapper outfit and your most spectacular hat as Storybook Farm hosts its 15th annual Kentucky Derby Day this Saturday, May 6.
Gates will open at 2 p.m. on the farm, located at 300 Cusseta Road in Opelika.
Attendees will be able to watch the official 149th Kentucky Derby live from Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, enjoy bottomless mint juleps and participate in a silent auction featuring international trips and other unique experiences. Other festivities will include games, giveaways, auction finds and plenty of delectable food from 12 local restaurants participating in the Chefs Down the Homestretch competition.
There will also be an after-party with WellDunn Entertainment.
“It’s a horse race with eye-catching fashion, a touch of glamour and a whole lot of purpose,” said Dena Little, founder and executive director of Storybook Farm, in the sponsorship packet. “… On May 6 you’ll have the best seat for the fastest two minutes in sports — and you’ll be making an impact that lasts a lifetime.”
Various sponsorships are available, as well as a few individual tickets to the event.
According to the Storybook Farm website, all funds raised through the Kentucky Derby Day event will support the six programs at Storybook Farm, which are available at no cost to the families who participate in them. The 51-acre farm is home to horses, donkeys, miniature ponies, cats and dogs — all named for various fairytale characters — ready to bond with the children who visit them.
The goal is to inspire children, boost their confidence and help them enjoy childhood.
“For 21 years, Storybook Farm’s high impact, innovative and evidence-based programs have strengthened and encouraged children living through hardships, trauma and tragedy,” Little said in the packet. “The money raised at Derby Day helps provide these programs at no cost to more than 3,000 children we’ll serve in 2023.”
According to the packet, one in seven children will lose a parent before turning 18, and more than 30% of children are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. In addition, 70% of children say their ability to cope with challenges is “very low.”
“… Your support gives kids who feel vulnerable, alone and sad the freedom to be kids again,” Little said in the sponsorship packet. “It will also help children reclaim the wonder and joys of childhood through learning and relationships with animals and nature. Can you think of a more impactful gift?”
While the programs at Storybook Farm are aimed at children experiencing adversity, they are still open to all children who wish to participate — regardless of their circumstances.
To learn more about Storybook Farm’s Kentucky Derby Day, or to purchase tickets, visit www.hopeonhorseback.org/derby. Single tickets are $200 each. As of press time, two Jockey sponsorships are available as well at $1,800 each.
Those who are unable to attend but still want to support the cause may donate online at secure.qgiv.com/event/derby2023/donate/.
