The Monmouth Park Charity Fund hosted its 16th Annual Kentucky Derby Celebration on Saturday May 4, 2019 under the tents at Blu Grotto’s beautiful outdoor garden on the historic grounds of Monmouth Park Racetrack, Oceanport, NJ. This premier social event, co-chaired by Maria Tanzola and Anita Roselle, welcomed a sold-out crowd of over 400 guests dressed Derby-style raising a record $412,000+ to support their seventy-three-year legacy of raising funds to distribute much needed grants to local charitable organizations. Deep thanks go to the three Event Sponsors, John & Maureen Lloyd, George & Ruth Harms, and Barbara Black.
The party exemplified a true Derby Celebration, complete with simulcast wagering throughout the afternoon and Horseshoe Raffle for the Kentucky Derby Race. Guest judges Sofia Duru, Michael Duru and Warren Diamond led the much anticipated Derby Hat Parade and Contest , awarding prizes for a variety categories.
The Blu Grotto chef prepared specialty foods and hors d’oeuvres and open bars featured specialty mint juleps, famous Kentucky bourbon’s and Kentucky Race Day Ale’s. Shoppers enjoyed a live auction emceed by Carol Stillwell and Jeremy Grunin including a one week stay at the exclusive Esperanza Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Private cooking experience at Joe Leone’s hosted by Joe in his Point Pleasant kitchen for six guests; Fishing charter adventure aboard the 61” Garlington “Low Bid” ; and Two orchestra seats to see Ain’t Too Proud to Beg- The Life and Times of the Temptations on Broadway with limo service and gift card for dinner.
The event honored Maureen Lloyd for her tireless support and the countless hours she has given to help so many charities, serving as the leader of Monmouth Park Charity Fund for over 20 years, and for being the spirit and fire behind the success of the Kentucky Derby Day Celebration; Ruth Harms for her dynamic advocacy and philanthropic leadership for many local charities; Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno for serving as a trailblazer with passion and dedication to uphold the well-being of our community; and the Barbara Black Family for sustaining the legacy and mission of Monmouth Park Charity Fund and legendary supporters of our community.
In gratitude for their selfless service, our Military Hero Sponsors underwrite a table of local military and veteran heroes to come as our guests.
“Monmouth Park Charity Fund’s Kentucky Derby Celebration, hosted at Monmouth Park Racetrack, is an exciting way to enjoy the Kentucky Derby while helping to raise funds for the many charities of Monmouth County who care for those in need in our community,” stated Maureen Lloyd, President of Monmouth Park Charity Fund Board of Trustees.
