Guests are encouraged to dress in stylish derby-inspired attire. Think cocktail dresses, sundresses, and bold hats for the ladies, and seersucker suits, blazers, or dress shirts with bow ties for the gentlemen. Feel free to get creative and have fun with your outfit while keeping it classy and elegant! Head to our Photo Gallery page under “Event Info” to see what guests have worn in years past!
The evening will feature a short program highlighting our mission and impact, followed by a live viewing of the Kentucky Derby. Guests can enjoy a betting wall to add to the excitement, as well as various on-site activities including a wine pull, celebrity bartending, and more. There will be a silent and live auction with incredible items up for bid, and an opportunity to raise your paddle to give a pledge to support our mission at the Tampa Bay Hope Lodge. It promises to be an unforgettable night of fun, philanthropy, and community support!
We are unable to accept cash at the event. We use a special nonprofit platform called GiveSmart. Once you purchase your tickets, you and your guests can easily load a debit or credit card to your account and use your assigned paddle number to make purchases throughout the evening. This streamlined process ensures a smooth and efficient experience for all our attendees.
Our GiveSmart website makes it easy to bid and track items you’re interested in within our silent auction. Simply connect your cell phone number to your account, and you’ll receive real-time notifications if someone outbids you or if you win an item. This convenient system ensures you stay up-to-date and never miss out on your favorite auction items!
Absolutely! You can make a donation at any time before or during the event by visiting the “Tickets & Donations” tab on our website and choosing an amount that suits you. You can also join us during our “Mission Moment” at the event to make your donation and celebrate alongside other on-site donors. Your support makes a significant impact, and we appreciate your generosity!
Yes, after the event, a receipt will be mailed to you listing all of your purchases and the tax-deductible amount, along with our tax ID. We strive to send these receipts out as quickly as possible, but the process is faster if your email is connected to your account.
Every dollar raised at our event supports the American Cancer Society’s local and national initiatives. This includes the Tampa Bay Hope Lodge, which provides free lodging for cancer patients and their caregivers while they receive life-saving treatment. Your contribution helps ensure that those battling cancer have access to essential resources and support when they need it most.
