Photo courtesy John DuvallBy Lisa Scott
Special to The PREVIEW
In a town with lots of great parties and events throughout the year, what many have dubbed “Pagosa’s best party” will be happening on May 5 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Keyah Grande Lodge. It’s the Rotary Club’s sixth annual Kentucky Derby Gala.
While watching the simulcast of the Kentucky Derby live from Louisville, Ky., you will be able to place your bets and cheer on your favorite horse while sipping mint juleps, dining on gourmet food, listening to live music and admiring some of the most beautiful and outrageous hats and fashion statements seen anywhere. Let’s not forget that there will be men’s and women’s hat contests.
There will be a catered luncheon and there will be fabulous desserts. Bob Hemenger will provide a live mix of saxophone jazz and swing music that you will know and will move you to the dance floor.
Mint juleps and other libations will be flowing and betting on horses is a simple process. Of the betting proceeds, 75 percent will be returned to the winners and 25 percent will support the Rotary efforts in the community. Cash is welcome and credit cards are accepted.
And, as if these weren’t enough reasons to make you want to go, you will be supporting all the good work Rotary does. All of the funds raised are put to work right here in Pagosa Springs in various programs in the community like college and vo-tech scholarships for graduating high school seniors, Feed Our Children Backpack Program, Pagosa Outreach, sponsoring four Loaves and Fishes events annually and many others.
An “adventures” silent auction will be held and will include items like hotel stays, rafting, jeep tours, rounds of golf and more.
Tickets are $45 each and will sell out. You can get tickets from any Rotarian or at Exit Realty.
Singing “My Old Kentucky Home” with 250 Pagosans and millions worldwide, then whooping and hollering with everyone else as you watch the race on the big-screen TV is a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
The Kentucky Derby is the longest continually held sporting event in America and it is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world. It is the first race within the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, which is followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes races.
Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders who dedicate their time and talent to tackle the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Connecting 1.2 million members from more than 200 countries, the work impacts lives at both the local and international levels.
Pagosa club members are dedicated community members who share a passion for both community service and friendship. Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group of professionals who share your drive to give back. To become a Rotarian, please visit with a current member and visit our website, pasgosaspringsrotary.org.
