Juleps, Jockeys & a Jeep

Grab your hats and head to the starting gates, it’s almost time for Derby Day! One of the most highly-anticipated spring events in the Golden Isles, Frederica Academy’s signature fundraiser will magically transform Sea Island’s Retreat Clubhouse into what feels like your own private party at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 5. From the moment you’re offered the traditional mint julep as you walk in the door to the first notes of the trumpet heralding the impending start of the race, you know this event is something special. A Frederica Academy fundraising tradition for 16 years, it just keeps getting better. EIL checked in with 2018 event co-chairs Jenny and Paul Thompson and Myra and John Wetzler for details about this year’s event and are as eager as the horses champing at the bit for what’s to come.

Be sure to don your best race day attire because the Bluegrass State has nothing on Sea Island when it comes to Derby Day fashion. Seersucker suits and stunning spectators are encouraged as the traditional festive fashion is part of what makes this evening extravaganza such a fun occasion. And, ladies, the hat parade competition is fierce, so be creative with your chapeaux! The winner will have the honor of drawing the ticket for this year’s raffle item: not a decked out golf cart this time around, but a 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK Sport 4x4! This white soft top 2-door model is the perfect vehicle for cruising the island in the summer, and it can be yours if you hold the winning raffle ticket. Tickets are one for $100, 3/$200, 8/$500 or 20/$1000 and are available for purchase online now.

But the hat parade and drawing for the Jeep are by no means the main event! You’ll want to hit the betting window to select the horse and jockey you think are wearing the winning silks before gathering in front of the big screen TVs to see the simulcast of the running of the 144th Kentucky Derby. Enjoy watching the most exciting two minutes in sports with your friends in this gorgeous Sea Island setting made even more spectacular with festive décor provided by Beachview Event Rentals & Design. There will also be plentiful plates of delicious Southern fare to please your palate. From shrimp and grits to decadent desserts, Sea Island serves up an array of offerings that will more than satisfy your appetite. In addition to juleps and fine bourbon, the bar is well-stocked to provide your preferred libations for the evening. You don’t need to travel to Louisville to get VIP box seat treatment for your Derby Day experience!

After the race, a different sort of competition takes place. There’s nothing quite like the excitement and energy of the Derby Day live auction! This year, the always dynamic and charismatic David Yarborough will be taking the mic as emcee and auctioneer. Items up for grabs include some fabulous vacation packages to new destinations, a Taylor Swift concert experience, and a furry companion. Details are being firmed up on many items at the time of writing, but be assured that the committee has done a fantastic job at securing auction items that will make for some fierce bidding! The silent auction items are always spectacular as well, with something for everyone. Some truly priceless favorites are the class projects and creations made by the students, including the nativity set that demonstrates the artistry of the 4th grade class. You’ll find real treasures here and ample opportunities to bid. And please remember that, while this is a party, it has a purpose – to support the programs of Frederica Academy.

As the school’s annual signature fundraising event, Derby Day is critical to the success of Frederica Academy and its ability to provide an outstanding college-preparatory education to its students. Funds raised from this fun evening help fund Lower School field trips, Middle School Carpe Vitam, and Upper School Retreats, as well as many other programs for students with daily impact. The generous support you provide by becoming a Derby Day sponsor, attending the event, purchasing raffle tickets, and bidding on a wide array of silent and live auction items helps the school to continue serving students as the premier independent school between Jacksonville and Savannah. Sponsorship opportunities are available and include an invitation to a special Patron Party on April 19, so act promptly if you or your business would like to join Frederica Academy in presenting this wonderful event.

After the run for the roses and the live auction action, stay for the dancing with live music provided by Jamie Renee & the Walkers. The ukulele girl and her crew will kick the evening off as guests arrive and will finish out the night in grand style. A local favorite, the band is well-versed in playing tunes to get everyone out on the dance floor and singing along. When the last strains of the band fade away, you’ll be left wondering where the time went and won’t want the night to end. It’s a perfect way for new families to be introduced to the school and the community and for our community to embrace the school while having a wonderful time with friends.

You can learn more about Derby Day, Frederica Academy’s history and programs, purchase event and raffle tickets, and find sponsorship forms online at fredericaacademy.org. Whether you come for the juleps, to watch the jockeys, or to win the Jeep, you’ll have more than just two minutes of excitement and fun memories with friends that last a lifetime.