Hats on for a successful Kentucky Derby fundraiser
While Saturday’s Kentucky Derby may have been the wettest race in its history, the atmosphere inside St. Catharines’ Meridian Centre was anything but.
More than 500 people cheered on winning colt Justify with jockey Mike Smith as they raced through the slop to win the Kentucky Derby.
The fundraiser, Hats & Horses – Niagara Derby Day, was in memory of St. Catharines businessman Jan R. Cook, who died in 2016.
His son Adam said many people approached him about a golf tournament or memorial event.
“We wanted something that would fit my dad, and there are already so many good golf tournaments out there,” said Cook. “We wanted to do something unique.
“When you walk in the Meridian Centre, and you see what it looks like today, it’s beyond our wildest imagination.
“We’re so happy with the turnout and support from the community for a first-year event. We thought we would do half of this — our ticket sales were 504, just pulling everything together with the number of people is spectacular,” Cook said.
“Today, Woodbine Entertainment told us were the largest Kentucky Derby party in Canada,” he beamed.
The star of the night had to be the hundreds of hats, a tradition for the derby, and outfits guests wore.
“How people have gotten behind it, not just the women, but the men who have brought their A-game, and their enthusiasm is the one think that makes me happiest.”
Wearing a standout suit of turquoise with palm trees and pink flamingos was Hayden Lawrence, who was taking part in the fashion show between races.
“When I heard from Adam they were going to put this on, I knew this website that sold suits specifically to be extravagant and over the top. I ordered this, which came in a box. I felt like I was ordering takeout food,” he said.
“I went with pretty much the most over-the-top suit on the site without hesitation.”
Proceeds from the event will be shared between Community
Care of St. Catharines and Thorold, Family and Children’s Services Niagara and Niagara Children’s Centre.