An Evening of Fun is a Sure Thing
The purchase of a Derby Gala ticket is a sure thing - an evening of fun, food and friends all to benefit a great cause.
The Bradford Area Public Library’s Derby Gala is set for 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at the Pennhills Club in Bradford.
The Gala, in its fifth year, coincides with the running of the famous Kentucky Derby. Big screen TVs allow spectators to watch the “greatest two minutes in sports” as they root for their favorite horse, whether it be Overanalyze or Will Take Charge. It will be a lucky day for three of these people as cash prizes are awarded for win, place and show. And the winning doesn’t stop there.
Ticketholders can actually parlay the cost of their ticket into a trip to Las Vegas to the casino.
“Since the casino has been so popular in the past few years, we have expanded it to include more slot machines,” said Karen Costello-Pecht, co-chairwoman. “The best part of the casino is that you don’t have to pony up any of your own money. We give you $500 in funny money to gamble. You can then take your winnings to bid on items in the funny money auction.”
The casino includes Black Jack, Texas Hold 'Em, Roulette, Chuck-a-Luck and slot machines. One of the most anticipated – even fascinating - events of the night is the hat parade, which will be led by Gloria Colella, honorary chairperson.
“We are so excited to be honoring Gloria in this way,” said Chrystina Tyler, co-chairwoman. “She has always been a great supporter of the library and our events. This is a small way to pay her back.”
Prizes will be awarded for the most stylish, most unique and most creative.
While the hat parade is a fun part of the evening, Costello-Pecht said that hats are not mandatory.
“We just want people to come out and have a good time. It is fun to see hats and fascinators of all shapes, sizes and styles, but if you don’t feel comfortable in a hat, you do not have to wear one.”
And as Tyler pointed out, everyone is getting fired up on the premier auction item of the evening.
Bids are now being taken at the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce at 814-368-7115 for a one-of-a-kind two lighter set designed specifically for the event by Zippo Manufacturing Co.
Bids can also be e-mailed to ron@bradfordchamber.com. The winning bid will be accepted at the Derby Gala. Those who want to bid, but are unable to attend can bid by phone with prior arrangement. Tim Asinger will be the guest auctioneer for the night.
“We say this each year, but Zippo’s team has really outdone themselves with this auction item. Check out the library’s Facebook page. We hope it sparks some interest and we will get many bids on this set.”
Tickets are also available that will give five people the opportunity to win $1,000 at the Gala. Tickets for this prize are available at the library and a limited number will be available the night of the event.
An odds-on favorite for the evening is the food. A special menu will be prepared including deviled eggs with pecans and goat cheese, House smoked brisket with roasted cherry pepper relish and haystack onions, House smoked pork with blackberry mustard and lemon herb butter, bourbon balls and mint julep cupcakes to name just a few.
The Derby Gala benefits the Endowment Fund for the Bradford Area Public Library.
"We can’t emphasize it enough how fun this evening is,” said Costello-Pecht. “You come this this event and odds are that you will have a fabulous time for a cause we believe in with all of our hearts.
“The library is truly the hub for our community. It’s the site for learning, meetings and gatherings of all kinds. There would be a hole in our community without our library.”
Tickets for the Gala are still available at the library. As Tyler noted, the event continues to grow each year, and encourages people to buy their tickets now and not wait until that evening.
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