On Saturday, May 6, at 4:00 p.m., Derby Day is returning to Main Street in Greenville after a 4-year respite to benefit the children of Greenville and Greene County. Held annually on the day of the Kentucky Derby, the fundraiser provides attendees with the authentic feel of the derby right here in Northeast Tennessee.
Derby Day will be held at the General Morgan Inn’s Rooftop Terrace, 111 N. Main Street, downtown Greeneville, Tennessee. Attendees are encouraged to wear traditional Kentucky Derby Day attire, such as elaborate hats, colorful dresses, seersucker suits, and bow ties, just as if they were going to the actual Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville.
“We are thrilled for the return of Derby Day,” says Betty Weemes, Derby Day Planning Committee Chair and Board Member of Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee. Betty stated, “This well-loved and well-attended event was last held in May 2019 before COVID. After a long hiatus due to the pandemic – I am honored to share that our return to Derby Day will be held in memory of Cecil L. Easterly. Cecil was a well-known philanthropist and former Laughlin Health Care Foundation board member. Laughlin sponsored Derby Day for many years. Cecil enjoyed volunteering for and attending this special event that helps feed the children of Greeneville and Greene County. Please help honor Cecil and come join us for Derby Day 2023!”
The evening includes music by David Price and his band, contests for the best hat, best-dressed man and woman, and best-dressed couple. The fun will continue through the evening with Derby-themed games hosted by a live emcee, the popular Bill Brown. Heavy hors d’oeuvres are included, as well as one complimentary drink. Choose a mint julep, beer, or wine to enjoy before the race.
“If you can’t attend the Kentucky Derby in person, this social event is the next best thing to being at the track,” said Rhonda Chafin, Executive Director of Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee. “Derby Day helps to provide food to the children in Greene County that need it most. That automatically makes everyone attending this event part of the winners’ circle.”
According to Feeding America, one in five Greene County children is considered food insecure, meaning they don’t always know where or when to get their next meal. These children depend on their school to obtain meals and snacks, but when school is closed during summer and holiday breaks, the food has to come from elsewhere. Funds raised for Derby Day help make sure no child goes hungry in Northeast Tennessee. Tickets to the event are $125 per person. To buy tickets, become an event sponsor, or for more information, email [email protected].
