Kentucky Derby Day to benefit Connecticut Junior Republic

LITCHFIELD >> The Litchfield Aid of the Connecticut Junior Republic will present Horses and Hats in the Hills, a Kentucky Derby-themed fundraiser for the benefit of the Connecticut Junior Republic (CJR), on Saturday, May 6.

The event, which will be held from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. at The Tavern Off the Green in The Litchfield Inn, 432 Bantam Road, Litchfield, will include watching the 143rd Kentucky Derby, a buffet dinner, open bar, music and dancing, and a special performance by The Nutmeg Dancers. The evening will also include a live auction and a 50/50 horse race raffle.

This year’s event, in keeping with its fashionable predecessors, High Stakes in the Hills in 2016 and High Style in the Hills in 2015, will feature a hat contest and participants are asked to don their finest Derby-inspired attire.

Funds raised at Horses and Hats in the Hills will benefit CJR, a Litchfieldbased private nonprofit agency founded in 1904. CJR is committed to serving the most vulnerable children and families in Connecticut and to utilizing effective, family-focused and strength-based treatment and education models to help young people achieve their full potential as contributing members of their homes, schools and communities. CJR’s combined residential and communitybased programs serve nearly 2,000 boys, girls and families annually in 11 locations throughout Connecticut.

Tickets go on sale April 1 via the Litchfield Aid of CJR’s website: www.litchfieldaid.org. Participation is limited, therefore prompt reservations are advised. To request an invitation, please contact the Connecticut Junior Republic Development Office: 860-567-9423, ext. 278.

To date, lead business sponsors for this year’s event are William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty and Torrington Savings Bank. Peter and Mary Tavino of Litchfield, Connecticut, will serve as honorary hosts.

The Litchfield Aid of CJR was founded in 1911 by 12 Litchfield women for the sole purpose of supporting the programs and facilities of the Connecticut Junior Republic. Since its inception, the Aid has contributed more than $2.5 million to CJR, playing a primary role in funding the library and media center in CJR’s Cable Academic and Vocational Education Center; the Bertha Wheeler Gymnasium and Pool Complex; renovations to CJR’s Administration Building in Litchfield; as well as providing significant financial support to many of the academic, vocational and well-being programs in place at CJR.

For further information, please contact Hedy Barton, CJR Director of Development and Public Relations: (860) 567-9423, ext. 252; or by email: hbarton@cjryouth.org. Story contributed by Hedy Barton, CJR Director of Development and Public Relations.