CDA's 15th Annual Down Home Derby Sets Fundraising Record

Roswell, GA (May 10, 2025) – The Children’s Development Academy (CDA) celebrated its most successful Down Home Derby yet, raising a record-breaking amount in gross proceeds at its 15th annual fundraiser on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Held at the rustic and charming Reid Barn in Cumming, the evening brought together nearly 200 guests for a night of celebration, community spirit, and commitment to early education.

The Derby-themed event featured dinner, dancing, and a live viewing of the Kentucky Derby, as well as fan-favorite games like Betting Buckets and Find the Aces. Guests enjoyed a high-energy live auction led by auctioneer Jordan Campbell, exclusive silent auction items, and the coveted Golden Ticket Raffle, which awarded one lucky winner a 7-night stay in beautiful Cortona, Italy.

"This year’s Derby was a milestone in more ways than one," said CDA Executive Director Sheila Sillitto. "Fifteen years in, this event continues to grow in impact thanks to our incredibly generous community, passionate volunteers, and dedicated sponsors who believe in our mission of providing life-changing early education to children from low-income families."

The CDA was proud to recognize its returning Triple Crown Sponsors, LocumTenens.com and Mimms Enterprises/Malon D. Mimms Company, whose longstanding support has helped sustain and grow the event year after year. This year’s Winner’s Circle Sponsors included Lisa & Ron Walker, Tom & Diane Duane, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, United Community Bank, and SmartWave Technologies.

All proceeds from the Down Home Derby help the CDA deliver high-quality, NAEYC-accredited early education to more than 200 children annually, supporting working families and giving young learners the tools to thrive in school and beyond.

To learn more about the CDA and its programs, visit cdakids.org.

About the Children’s Development Academy (CDA):
Children’s Development Academy (CDA) is a non-profit organization in Roswell, Georgia providing high-quality early care and learning to at-risk children in the greater north Metro Atlanta area. Services enable families to work and contribute to Georgia’s economy while their children are gaining the skills needed to be successful in school and life. The CDA provides a NAEYC accredited and Georgia Quality Rated program that teaches children the social, emotional and academic skills needed to excel. Founded in 1967 by a group of early pioneers in the school readiness movement, the CDA grew from a home basement, to a church, to a community building located in the Historic Grove Way in Roswell. The Center opened in 1976. Currently the CDA serves more than 200 children ages 1 to 5 years.