Niagara Derby Day inspired by Jan R. Cook
A bit of the Kentucky Derby will gallop into the Meridian Centre this spring.
Hats & Horses – Niagara Derby Day, a new fundraiser in memory of St. Catharines businessman and philanthropist Jan R. Cook, will feature food stations, cocktails and entertainment to go along with a live broadcast of the Kentucky Derby May 5.
Attendees will also be able to access on-site race wagering provided by Champions Off-Track Betting.
Meridian Centre director of marketing Kay Meilleur says the arena’s floor will be transformed into a “southern celebration” to make guests feel they’ve landed in Kentucky.
“We are so fortunate to have had some incredible events at the Meridian Centre and are always eager to animate the building in a unique way.”
Cook, who died in August 2016 at age 68, raised millions for local health care and was instrumental in helping raise $40 million for a new hospital in St. Catharines through the ‘It’s Our Time’ campaign.
He was also a huge sports enthusiast who travelled to Kentucky every May to take in the Derby live, says son Adam Cook, co-chairman of the event’s planning committee. Bringing some of the ‘most exciting two minutes in sports’ back to Niagara is an appropriate tribute to him, and Cook hopes to see attendees decked out like they are on Derby Day.
“My vision is to see hundreds of guests spilling out onto St. Paul Street after a great event and filling downtown with their brightly-coloured fashion statements,” he says.
There will be awards and prizes for the best-dressed patrons in four categories, including best couple and best hat.
Proceeds from the event will be shared between Community Care St. Catharines-Thorold, FACS Niagara and Niagara Children’s Centre.
Tickets are $100 (plus fees), available through Ticketmaster and at the Meridian Centre box office. www.hatsandhorses.ca