Junior Friends of Campagna Center to Celebrate Annual Derby Party

Do you like wagering and—more importantly—winning? Up for some mint juleps, jockeys, food and fun?

The Junior Friends of The Campagna Center has announced the 4th Annual Bowties and Belles, a Kentucky Derby Party, which will take place from 4 to 7:30 pm. May 4 (televised race time is 6:24 p.m.) at Belle Haven Country Club. Proceeds from the event help support programs of The Campagna Center.

Bowties and Belles will feature an afternoon of watching the derby, a raffle, live music provided by The Kate Moran Band, a silent auction and cocktail reception featuring the official derby cocktail, the Mint Julep. The event expects to attract over 250 local residents and business leaders to participate in this afternoon of events.

Patron tickets are $100 (includes valet parking and exclusive seating on Millionaire's Row with private bourbon tasting). Individual tickets are $80. Sponsorship levels are still available from $250.

“Each year The Campagna Center must raise additional funds to close funding gaps that allow us to provide early childhood, youth development and services to adults that support self-sufficiency,” said Tammy Mann, center president and CEO, in a prepared statement. “As we brace for the adverse impact of sequestration on our early childhood programs, the success of this year’s event is especially important to us.”

Jennifer Peterson, chairwoman of the Junior Friends of The Campagna Center, added in a statement: "The Junior Friends have worked diligently to make this the 'must attend' event of the Spring! We look forward to seeing our fellow Alexandrians in their best hats and bowties to benefit the children and families served by The Campagna Center.”

Event sponsors include Passport Auto; Rich, Rosenthal, Brincefield, Manitta, Duzbin & Kroeger; the National Beer Wholesalers Association; Advisors Financial; Patterson Real Estate Group; Beer Institute; McLaughlin Ryder Investments, Inc.; and Collard Greens. The official ladies hat vendor is The Hat Lady.

The country club is located at 6023 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Tickets can be purchased at www.CampagnaCenter.org.