Third Annual Down & Derby Breaks Fundraising Records

Monsoon-like rains couldn’t dampen the giving spirit of more than 500 guests who filled Chukkar Farm to capacity on Saturday, May 3, for the Third Annual Down & Derby. Hosted by the Milton Friends of Children’s, this year’s highly coveted event raised nearly $260,000, a record since the fundraiser’s inception in 2023. Proceeds will directly support Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The Jenny Doyle Group returned as Presenting Sponsor for the third consecutive year, with dozens of other local businesses supporting the evening as well.

Back by popular demand, tickets for the Kentucky-meets-Georgia event sold out in less than twenty-four hours. Fashionistas turned out in droves, stunning in everything from bright floral ensembles and fascinators to flowy sundresses and designer stilettos. Men also dressed to impress, showcasing bow ties, suspenders, seersucker suits, and cowboy boots. There were no shortage of jaw-dropping looks at an event that has quickly ascended to the top of Atlanta’s philanthropic social scene.

Upon arrival, Down & Derby guests were invited to enjoy a custom beverage offered by Maker’s Mark as award-winning musicians from Cambridge High School provided bluesy jazz tunes to set the stage for an incredible evening. Once inside the venue, local music celebrity Rocco Gorelik wowed patrons with his live acoustic tunes as guests enjoyed an opportunity to nosh on delectable appetizers while wagering bets on Derby horses and participating in the event’s highly curated live and silent auctions.

Volunteers associated with the Milton Friends of Children’s spent months planning an iconic evening that would showcase the giving spirit of Milton and also provide guests with an event they would never forget. Volunteers weaved successful elements from years prior with new additions like “Will” and “Hope,” (renowned mascots of Children’s) and a surprise visit by “Fraunkey the Donkey." Gorgeous photo backdrops created by Party Bound filled the venue, as did luxury tents housing delectable bites ranging from BBQ to chicken salad to mouthwatering deserts.

Despite incredibly thoughtful planning, nothing could prepare the event organizers for what Mother Nature had in store, with severe storms plaguing the area in the days and hours leading up to event.

Ashley Edmonds commented, “As co-chair, I was overwhelmed with gratitude in the months leading up to Down & Derby watching our community come together in such meaningful ways – volunteering, sponsoring, and donating. But when the weather forecast threatened to derail everything we had worked for, knowing we were in an outdoor venue with only so many possible weather contingencies, I was honestly feeling a bit heartbroken.”

Edmonds continued, “But, the skies cleared. Just enough, and our guests showed up with energy and heart, even as the wild weather returned. It turned into something truly unforgettable – not because every aspect of the evening went perfectly to plan, but because it reminded us why we were there: to celebrate our community and support the vital mission of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The spirit of the evening was undeniable.”

As lightning and thunder overtook the outdoor venue, the live auction continued to completion as auctioneers Jason and Tarryn Troutman remained steadfastly focused on the mission at hand before inclement weather caused everyone to seek shelter under covered tents. The evening’s band, Color the Night, played on as guests danced and conversed.

Some pre-planned portions of the evening, including a personal testimonial by Milton teenager and CHOA patient, Sarah Bowman, were postponed because of the inclement weather, but guests were able to hear her story and make final contributions through an interactive email sent days after the Down & Derby.

“I was a CHOA patient just a few months ago when I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes; CHOA always puts patients first – genuinely,” said Bowman. “I was also recently diagnosed with Celiac Disease, which is often linked to Type 1 Diabetes. When my doctor called with the results, he was running late for a meeting, but stayed on the phone with me anyway to talk through everything. He knew I was already having a rough day and wanted to make sure all my questions are answered. It was above and beyond.”

And going above and beyond was a central theme of this year’s fundraising focus. Funds raised through the Third Annual Down & Derby will directly support CHOA’s therapeutic play space - The Zone, which is a special place for children who are hospitalized. It includes everything from Xbox, basketball hoops, arts and crafts. The goal is to provide a fun and safe recreational space for children and their families.

“It was heartwarming to see so many people come together with a shared purpose during the Down & Derby – to bring joy, hope, and fun to young lives,” said Kim Ritter, Milton Mom and event co-chair. “Moments like these remind me of the power of community and the impact we can make when we work together.”

While a final fundraising total is still being tallied, Children’s confirmed that as of Friday, May 9, nearly $260,000 was raised from this one event.

Plans are already underway for the 4th Annual Down & Derby, which will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Please contact friendsofchoamilton@gmail.com for additional information about how you can get involved, sponsor, etc. To donate to Children’s, please click here. To learn about the Milton Friends of Children's, please click here.