Kentucky Derby 2023

Friday, May 5, 2023

Dear Friend of the YMCA,

Whenever our community is faced with a crisis, whenever we see a neighbor who needs support, the Y stands ready to help with open arms and caring hearts. Thanks to generous donors like you, our local YMCA is able to provide a safe, nurturing space for our community to learn, grow, and thrive.

Because we know that you share a passion for this community, we are excited to invite you to our Annual Kentucky Derby event. The 2022 event successfully raised over $100,000 that supported children’s programming and an endowment to help keep our Y growing and thriving.

Over the last year alone, our YMCA has increased capacity for critical feeding programs and expanded much-needed child care services to address our area’s biggest challenges. We can now proudly serve our residents and families at five different branches, expanding into new communities as we work collectively to ensure the best services and outreach for our area.

Now as we prepare for the 4th Annual Kentucky Derby event, we are looking forward to coming together again to celebrate youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Kindly review the attached event information, online auction and
sponsorship opportunities with RSVPs due by April 14th.

Sincerely Your Co-Chairs:   Kathy Dunsmuir, Lissa Bryan-Smith and Ali Zurawski

Contact: Janelle Drach, COO, Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA, 570.970.5025 for more information

Cocktails, Dinner & Derby Fun at the Westmoreland Club, 5:30-10P

Enjoy an evening of fabulous food and derby festivities at the Westmoreland Club.

5:30-7:00PM: Passed Hors D’oeuvres and Themed Cocktails.

7:00-10:00PM: Dinner & Festivities under the Tent

  • Dinner Tickets $175 each
  • Race Wager Books will be available for purchase the night of the event to bet on pre-recorded races.
  • Kindly RSVP by April 21st

Dinner Menu:  

  • House Salad Kentucky Bibb Wedge Salad, Hickory Ham, Heirloom Tomatoes, Chives, Rhapsody Bleu Cheese-Cucumber Dressing
  • Warm French Rolls Buttermilk Biscuits.(Rose shaped butters)
  • CHOOSE FROM 1 ENTREE:
  1. Beef Short Ribs with a Vidalia Onion Demi Glaze
  2. Bourbon Glazed Salmon 
  3. Pan Roasted Herb Free Range Chicken Breast with Vidalia Onion and Forest Mushroom Sauce
  4. Vegetarian Entree Potato Gnocchi Pecorino, Grilled Garlic Scapes, Broccolini, Blistered Tomato, Basil Olive Oil  
  • Accompaniments – White Balsamic-Roasted Baby Spring Vegetables and Roasted Red Bliss Potatoes
  • Themed Desserts to end the evening!

Click Here For Tickets

Enter to Win The Grand Prize!

1 Ticket for $20 or 6 Pack of Tickets for $100. Drawing will be held on May 5, 2023

Prize Includes:

  • Trip for 2 to the 2024 Kentucky Derby
  • Choice of hotel and round-trip airfare
  • Details to be arranged at time of booking with Val at Tucker’s Travel Shoppe

Trip may be redeemed for another vacation package, not to exceed $5000 in travel and must be completed no later than May 15, 2024. Some restrictions apply. Winner may choose to receive $5000 in lieu of the trip.

Purchase Tickets using the button below or visit our online silent auction to purchase tickets (https://gwvaymca.cbo.io)

Click Here For Tickets

Choose among these sponsorship levels that fit your giving goals. At Sponsorship checkout, select the FEE TYPE in the top drop down menu box. Please also email Janelle Drach with the company name as it should be shown on promotional materials and include a company logo (jpeg or png). If sending a check, please make payable to: Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA and mail to: Jamie Dudick, 40 W. Northampton St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701

SPONSOR
DOWNLOAD PACKET

CHURCHILL DOWNS – Presenting SPONSORS – $15,000

• Identified as a Major Sponsor
• Name/Logo on all media coverage, Times Leader
• Logo/Name on YMCA website and social networks
• Logo/Name prominently displayed on all event signage
• Twelve Tickets (12) to the Derby Event (Value: $2,100)

TRIPLE CROWN SPONSORS – $10,000
• Identified as a Major Sponsor
• Name/Logo on all media coverage, Times Leader
• Logo/Name on YMCA website and social networks
• Logo/Name prominently displayed on all event signage
• Ten Tickets (10) to the Derby Event (Value: $1,750)

PREAKNESS SPONSORS – $7,500
• Identified as a Major Sponsor
• Name/Logo on all media coverage, Times Leader
• Logo/Name on YMCA website and social networks
• Logo/Name prominently displayed on all event signage
• Eight Tickets (8) to the Derby Event (Value: $1,400)
• Pack of Six (6) Raffle Tickets ($100)

GRAND PRIZE SPONSOR $6,500 *SOLD* 
• Identified as the Trip Sponsor
• Logo/Name printed on all raffle tickets
• Name/Logo in all media coverage, Times Leader
• Logo/Name on YMCA website and social networks
• Logo/Name on event signage
• Six Tickets (6) to the Derby Event (Value: $1,050)

BELMONT SPONSORS – $5,000
• Name/Logo on all media coverage, Times Leader
• Logo/Name on YMCA website and social networks
• Logo/Name on event signage
• Four Tickets (4) to the Derby Event (Value: $700)
• Pack of Six (6) Raffle Tickets ($100)

BREEDERS CUP SPONSORS – $2,500
• Logo/Name on YMCA website and social networks
• Logo/Name on event signage
• Two Tickets (2) to the Derby Event (Value: $350)
• Pack of Six (6) Raffle Tickets (Value: $100)

WIN/PLACE/SHOW SPONSORS – $1,500
• Logo/Name on YMCA website and social networks
• Logo/Name on event signage
• Two Tickets (2) to the Derby Event (Value: $350)

TRIFECTA SPONSORS – $500
• Logo/Name on YMCA website and social networks 

Participate in Our Silent Auction, May 2nd-6th

We are currently accepting donations for our online silent auction. Please complete the following by April 14th to ensure inclusion.  Bidding portal to view items and buy raffle tickets is now LIVE! To view click –  https://gwvaymca.cbo.io 
Live auction will open on May 2nd at 12p and close at May 6th at 10a.

To make a silent auction donation:

  1. Email an image of your item to: Janelle Drach and download the sponsorship package to complete the donation form: FORM
  2. Schedule drop off time with Janelle Drach @: 570-970-5025

2023 Derby Committee

Kathy Dunsmuir, Co-Chair
Lissa Bryan-Smith, Co-Chair
Alison Zurawski, Co-Chair
Cheryl Connolly, Raffle Chair
John Barancho & Paul Kabacinski, Decor Chairs

Erica Acosta
Susan Dantona Jolley
Tina Falvello
Amy Cameron
Catherine Mihalick
Durelle & Connie Scott
Emily Courtois
Jamie Dudick
Janelle Drach
Jim & Marie Thomas
Ray & Susan Irvin

Megan Kennedy
Kate Churnetski
Kathleen Dunsmuir
Katie M. Kemmerer
Kerry Miscavage
Lindsay Landis
Will Beekman