Hats, Horses & Heart

The YMCA’s recent Run for the Roses – A Kentucky Derby Soirée was a tremendous success, bringing together more than 200 guests for an unforgettable evening of fun, fashion and philanthropy at the beautiful Stovall House. 

Guests donned their finest derby attire and enjoyed an evening of classic southern charm all while raising funds for our YMCA community initiatives.

Highlights of the evening included a spirited best-dressed contest, a mint julep bar, hand rolled cigars, a competitive silent auction featuring exclusive items and experiences and the always-thrilling Calcutta. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our guests and the unwavering support of our community, the event brought in nearly $80,000 to help ensure everyone has access to YMCA programs, regardless of their financial circumstances. 

Candace Culver, Senior Vice President of Community Partnerships for the Tampa YMCA, shares, “I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all who made this event possible—especially our title sponsor, Ellison Development and two extraordinary volunteers, Colleen Brzezinski and Bear Galavis. Their vision, passion and behind-the-scenes dedication played a vital role in bringing our Run for the Roses event to life.”

We can’t wait to build on this momentum and celebrate with you all again next year—until then, thank you for helping us make a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve.