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GWVA YMCA Targets Saturday, May 3 for Kentucky Derby Gala Benefitting Childhood Education Programs
The Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA will host its Fifth Annual Kentucky Derby Gala at the Westmoreland Club on Saturday, May 3 (5-10 p.m.) with the support of presenting sponsor, Discover NEPA, powered by Mericle.
Proceeds from the event supports families in the YMCA’s Early Learning Center Programs, which includes six locations with capacity to serve up to 1,000 children. The 2024 event raised over $130,000 to support child care in Luzerne County.
“My co-chair Lissa Bryan-Smith and I are honored to host this amazing event again,” said Kentucky Derby Committee Co-chair, Connie Scott. “Lissa said to me, ‘How can you volunteer your time, raise this amount money and have this much fun doing it?!’ It’s an amazing team. We hope you’ll put on your best hats, join us and bring your friends. You’re in for a fabulous evening.”
Upon arrival, guests will be greeted by Sawyer, a paint quarter horse and his trainer Sylvia for photos. Once inside, patrons will enjoy outstanding cocktails and hors d’oeuvres (5 – 7 p.m.) served by the Westmoreland Club. The 151st Running of the Roses will be shown live on a large screen TV, provided by JP Lilley, at 6:30 p.m. while DJ Dakota Jones entertains guests on the dance floor.
Guests can enjoy the Spring weather and rose displays by Floral Designs in the party tent while the hat contest, judged by Emily Novakowski and Linda Rowe will take place between several pre-recorded horse races featuring live caller, Jim Beviglia from Pocono Downs. Attendees can wager and win on six races throughout the evening with all proceeds benefitting the YMCA’s Early Learning Center.
For those unable to attend but still wishing to support this worthy cause, an online silent auction will be held April 30 to May 4.
The $175 tickets include a generous donation to deserving children in the community, drinks and dinner. The grand prize raffle of a dream vacation or $5,000, sponsored by Sundance Vacations, will be awarded to the winner to cap the evening.
Supporters of the Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA can support the event in many ways – through attending the dinner, purchasing raffle tickets, bidding in the online silent auction or wagering on the horse races. For more information on the event, please visit WVymca.org/kentucky-derby-2025.
Dear Friend of the YMCA,
Whenever our community is faced with a crisis, whenever we see a neighbor who needs support, our Y stands ready to help with open arms and caring hearts. Thanks to generous donors like you, The Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA is doing BIG things in our region- providing safe, nurturing spaces for children to learn, grow, and thrive.
Because we know that you share a passion for this community, we are excited to invite you to this Annual Kentucky Derby event. The 2024 event successfully raised $133,000 in support of programming and an endowment to further expand these critical services.
Our YMCA has recently increased capacity for feeding programs and much-needed child care services to address some of our biggest challenges. The Kentucky Derby event has been part of the catalyst of growth for the Y, allowing us to:
- Proudly serve working families at six different child care sites in Luzerne County
- Provide over 188,000 healthy meals and snacks to over 990 children and youth in just one year
- Ensure high quality care, now hosting four Keystone STAR 4 child care branches
- Continue to expand into new communities as we work collectively to ensure the best services and outreach for our area
Sincerely,
Lissa Bryan-Smith
&
Connie Scott
Kentucky Derby Co-Chairs
Jim Thomas
CEO GWVA YMCA
2025 Derby Committee
Lissa Bryan-Smith, Co-Chair
Connie Scott, Co-Chair