There’s something magical about the Kentucky Derby. Between the thrill of the race itself and the charm of its traditions, there truly is no other sporting event quite like it. Epworth Children & Family Services is giving St. Louisans a chance to don their Derby best for a good cause at its Horses & Hats Derby Party May 5. Guests can watch the race, sip mint juleps and support the important services the nonprofit offers to children, youth and families.
For more than 150 years, Epworth has offered comprehensive services to provide safety and stability for underserved and at-risk youth and families who are facing crises. The nonprofit offers a continuum of care ranging from family support services and emergency shelter to psychological and residential treatment. “Our mission is really very simple: self-sufficiency with dignity,” says Carolyn Choc, chief design and development officer. “We help children and families attain this through assistance with health, housing, education and employment.” Last year, more than 13,000 families turned to Epworth for support, she notes.
The organization has three locations: its main campus in Webster Groves, an emergency shelter for youth in University City and a drop-in center in Normandy. Choc says the Normandy center caters to older youth, including those aging out of the foster care system, through its life-skill training and support, but all children who need a place to go are welcome. “Youth of any age can stop in every day,” she says. “They can get a hot meal, take a shower or do their laundry. It’s a safe place for them to take some time for themselves and connect to our services.”
The Horses & Hats Derby Party is hosted by Friends of Epworth, a group of volunteers dedicated to helping individuals served by the organization. The group also raises money for the Guardian Angel Fund, which provides direct financial support for any extra needs of children and teens. “Some expenses fall outside our annual budget, like prom dresses, school photos or music lessons,” Choc says. “The Guardian Angel Fund allows us to fulfill those.” At the Kentucky Derby event, guests will get to hear just how big an impact this funding can have. “We’ll be sharing a story about a boy who was gifted a viola by Friends of Epworth, and it was key to his healing process,” Choc notes.
The party will be held at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center. “The race is called the fastest 2 minutes in sports for a reason, so we’ll have lots of fun activities,” Choc says. Festivities include a raffle, bourbon tastings and pulls, a hat contest and a silent auction. Epworth supporters who are out of town will have the option to be part of the auction through a live stream, and items will be available for previewing a week early online. “It’s a lot of fun,” Choc enthuses. “Ladies put on their dresses and gorgeous, over-the-top hats, and the gentlemen wear their seersucker suits with bow ties. Everyone gets in the spirit of the Kentucky Derby.”
Epworth helps children, youth and families move toward self-sufficiency through programs for health, housing, education and employment. Its Horses & Hats Derby Party is May 5 at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center. Pictured on the cover: Friends of Epworthy; Johnny and Minga Furr; Richard and Emily Pitts; and Margie Hermann. for more information, call 314.961.5718 or visit epworth.org.
Cover design by Allie Bronsky | Cover photos courtesy of Epworth
Pictured above: Minga Furr with Michelle Tucker, president and CEO of Epworth.
