Jockeys & Juleps: Derby Day With United Way

Recently, HottyToddy.com met with Kathy Williams, associate director for United Way of Oxford and Lafayette County (UWOLC). Kathy was unable to contain her excitement regarding the Derby Day party and fundraiser that UWOLC will be hosting Saturday, May 6. Here is a synopsis of our conversation.
HottyToddy.com: Kathy, please share with our readers the fine details for your upcoming event and how they can get involved.
Kathy Williams: “Jockeys & Juleps” is our inaugural Kentucky Derby Party which will be held at Oak Hill Stables. Post time for the event is 3 p.m. when we begin the live broadcast of the races. The party will end at 7 p.m. after the final race, “The Run for the Roses.” The cost to attend is $50 per person.

HottyToddy.com: What will your guests expect to find upon arrival?
Kathy Williams: We will have live broadcast of the races, mint juleps, a silent and live auction, music by bonfire, games, Southern cuisine and Southern fun. FUN, FOOD & HORSES!
HottyToddy.com: We understand that you will also be awarding prizes for some of your patrons for just simply attending.
Kathy Williams: That’s right. What would a Derby party be without hats!? We’ll have a hat contest for the ladies. Plus, we’ve had many guys talk about their seersucker suits and bow ties that we thought we better have a contest for them. So, we will have a best dressed gent contest. If you don’t have a hat or a seersucker suit, don’t worry, just come join us and enjoy the party.
HottyToddy.com: Another benefit is apparently the location you have chosen for the Derby watch party.
Kathy Williams: Oak Hill Stables is the absolute perfect place to host a Kentucky Derby Party. It’s a 500-acre horse farm owned by Laura and Owen Sale. It’s located at 670 County Road 101 which is past the Max Hippe Industrial Park on the right, heading north on old Highway 7. The grounds are simply beautiful. When you enter the gates, you immediately realize you have entered a special place. It’s worth attending the party just to experience this beautiful horse farm.

HottyToddy.com: Will your guests be able to select the winning horses who will be competing that day from Churchill Downs?
Kathy Williams: Absolutely. Everyone will have the opportunity to pick their winning horse! We will have prizes for the winners.
HottyToddy.com: Obviously, you cannot put on such an extravaganza party as this without lead sponsors.
Kathy Williams: You are correct. We are extremely thankful for our “Winner’s Circle” sponsors, Cannon Motors of Mississippi, MaxxSouth and Oak Hill Stables. We are very fortunate to have so many businesses and individuals who have sponsored this event and support the work of UWOLC. Without their support, we would not be able to continue our mission to improve lives in our community.
HottyToddy.com: Tell us a little about your “featured” live auction item.
Kathy Williams: Thanks to Cannon Motors of Mississippi, we will offer a priceless VIP trip for six people to the October races at Keeneland Race Track in Lexington, Kentucky. The package includes a private owner’s box, access to the Paddock, hotel rooms, a VIP Bourbon Distillery tour, a VIP private tour of Ashford Farms and seats at the famous and exclusive FASIQ TIPTON October sale of thoroughbreds.

HottyToddy.com: You have convinced us. How do we get in the race?
Kathy Williams: There are several ways to purchase tickets. The easiest way is to text DERBY2017 to 41444. You can also go to our website at unitedwayoxfordms.org/tickets, call the UWOLC office at 662-236-4265 or stop by Lu Lu’s on the Oxford Square.
HottyToddy.com: It sounds as if your horses are at the gate.
Kathy Williams: They are at the gate! It is our hope that Juleps and Jockeys will become a signature event for UWOLC. It combines fun, food and horses. Juleps and Jockeys exemplifies “Southern Tradition & Elegance,” which is the perfect combination for a successful “Run for the Roses.” I promise this is one party you will not want to miss…MEET ME AT THE DERBY!

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Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. Currently, Steve is a highly successful leader in the real estate business who lives in Oxford with his wife Rosie. You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745.
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