ANN ARBOR — Ann Arbor is thrilled to announce the 8th Annual Derby Day Soirée, an evening of entertainment, philanthropy, and Derby-inspired fun, taking place on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM at Revel Run (555 S. Dancer Rd, Chelsea, MI 48118).
An Unforgettable Derby Experience
Attendees will enjoy a festive evening featuring big hats, fascinators, bow ties, and Derby-wear prizes while sipping on mint juleps and savoring Southern-inspired food stations. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in the Derby Wager Raffle to pick the Kentucky Derby winner and WIN BIG! The event will showcase the 151st Kentucky Derby LIVE on big-screen TVs so everyone can experience “the most exciting two minutes in sports!”
Exciting Features Include:
Reserved seating under the grand ‘BIG TOP’ tent
Silent & LIVE Auction featuring exclusive items led by renowned Auctioneer Jim Alban
Derby Dance Party
Supporting a Vital Cause
All proceeds from the Derby Day Soirée benefit Ele’s Place – Ann Arbor, the only nonprofit in Southeast Michigan solely dedicated to providing compassionate, free-of-charge peer grief support to children, teens, and their families. Since 2007, Ele’s Place – Ann Arbor has been a beacon of hope, ensuring that no child in Michigan grieves alone.
“The need for our services is more critical than ever,” says Calen Conlan, Development Director, “Your support allows us to continue providing essential grief support to children and families navigating loss.”
Event Leadership & Sponsors
The event is proudly co-chaired by Kathy & Toby Brzoznowski and Julie & Bryan Muthig, alongside an esteemed host committee, including:
Leyla Conlan, Chris & Robyn DeRuyver, Chris & Sierra Imwalle, Hallie & Henry Jewell, Keith & Shelly Ledbetter, Lori & Brandon Lorenz, Kirk & Michelle Loveless, T. Sean Lynch & Melissa Pilewskie, Ryan & Brittany Muneio, Haley Williams Pepper & Taybor Pepper, Tom & Shirley Randall, Jaison & Christina Restrick, Woody & Betsy Stover, Ted & Eileen Thacker, Rachel & Evan Ufer
Attire & Accessibility
Derby attire is encouraged. As this is an outdoor event, some portions will be held on the lawn; attendees should choose their footwear accordingly.
Purchase Your Tickets Today!
Don’t miss this incredible evening of philanthropy and fun. Secure your tickets today and support Ele’s Place – Ann Arbor’s mission to ensure that no grieving child, teen, or family has to navigate loss alone.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://cbo.io/tickets/elesplace/DERBYDAY
About Ele’s Place Ann Arbor
Ele’s Place – Ann Arbor is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community-based organization dedicated to creating awareness of and support for grieving children, teens, and their families free of charge. Ele’s Place provides free peer-based support ensuring that no child or teen in Michigan grieves alone. For media inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or additional event details, please contact Calen Conlan at cconlan@elesplace.org.
