Local supporters, including LPCSD staff, enjoying the festivities at Generations Tap and Grill.

Over 850 miles separates Lake Placid from Churchill Downs Racecourse, Kentucky. And yet, on Saturday, you’ll see a steady stream of hats, fascinators, colorful dresses and sports coats strolling into town, fully committed to bringing the pomp and glamor of Derby Day to Main Street.

Launched in 2022, the fourth edition of the Educational Opportunity Fund for the Lake Placid Central School District’s annual fundraiser, A Night at the Races, will once again grace the doors of Generations Tap and Grill, thanks in no small part to the continued generosity of the Holdereid family. The premise is simple but effective; bring together the community to celebrate and support the work of the Fund whilst sharing in the excitement and mild jeopardy of The Kentucky Derby, screened live to the shouts and cheers of those willing their horse to the finish line.

Founded in 2015, the Ed Op Fund has spent the last decade raising money to help close the opportunity gap within the Lake Placid School District. Through the vision of its volunteers and the generosity of its donors and supporters, the fund has made great strides in providing new experiences for countless children in the district. The School Summer Reading Program, the 5th grade trips to Albany, the K-12 programming at LPCA, the Drama Club visit to Proctor’s Theater and the College Visit day for high schoolers are just some of the ways the Fund continues to support the students in our community. A recent free Skate Night on the Olympic Oval, collaboratively organized with the Gordon W Pratt Insurance Agency and ORDA, provided another example of the Fund’s outreach success. Three years ago, the Fund decided that having a flagship fundraiser event was crucial to supporting its ongoing work, and A Night at the Races was born.

Fund Treasurer Lynn Magnus explains the thinking behind the horse racing theme. “We wanted to host a true community event — an event for local people to support our local students. Since mud season can be a rough time in town, we settled on the Kentucky Derby in May as our theme. What better way is there to overcome the dreary season than fancy hats, cocktails and laughter with friends? It’s a great way to connect with friends post spring breaks and winter hiatuses.”

The night itself sees tradition mix easily with the modern goals of the fund. Alongside a selection of fine appetizers, Mint Juleps are on the menu from the bar. The official drink of the Derby since 1938, legend has it that the Julep has been served at the race since the Derby’s inception in 1875, and it was an easy decision to bring that tradition to the night’s events. Live music will once again be provided by local artist Andy Walkow, a backdrop to the main event. At the very precise time of 6.57pm, the start gates will fly open and the 151st Kentucky Derby will get underway. For just under two minutes, all eyes will be on the screens in the bar, as supporters wave their lucky horseshoes, willing their favorite to the line. Many generous local businesses also support the event through the donation of items for the silent auction that runs throughout the night. Magnus explains how important the funds raised via the event are to the mission and impact of the Fund. “Thanks to the generosity of the Holderied Family, who host the event, 100% of ticket and auction sales go directly to the Ed Op Fund, supporting our local students. Night at the Races typically raises just under 50% of the total budget for our annual initiatives.”

Board members Kate Wylie, left, and Lynn Magnus, right, with Sarah Galvin, owner of Fund supporter The Bookstore Plus.

Whilst the event has grown a dedicated band of return attendees, the Fund is always looking for new people to find out more about its work, and help support the program in the years to come. Tickets are on sale now at the website www.EdOpFund.org, priced at $125. Discounted tickets of $75 are available to all LPCSD Faculty and Staff.

We’d love to see you there – hats and all.

Simon Shergold is a member of the Ed Op board communications team.