Wellspring Derby Preview Party

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The 2017 Wellspring Derby Preview Party - an Event Overview & Committee Involvement

On April 24, 2018 Wellspring will host the 20th Annual Derby Preview Party. This event has become a "signature event" of the Derby season; this year, we anticipate hosting a sell-out crowd of 550+ guests. Perennial favorite, John Asher, will serve as emcee and handicapper Bill Doolittle will offer "insider" tips for Derby day. The live and silent auctions present Oaks & Derby-related tickets, etc. and exciting travel packages, sports and dining experiences, custom-made Derby hats, art, collectables, and more. All that, along with live music, unlimited cocktails and a lavish Chef’s table makes for an outstanding event that raises support for Wellspring’s crisis stabilization program, and our housing and supportive services for adults who face the challenges of living with severe and persistent mental illness.

Wellspring serves nearly 800 clients annually - clients who are experiencing an acute psychiatric episode, and those who live with severe mental illness. Wellspring literally saves lives every day, and we bring hope where there was none. Every dollar raised from the Derby Preview Party goes toward supporting our programs' expenses.

It takes a dedicated group of volunteers to carry out the annual Derby Preview Party. The Event Committee involves Wellspring Board members, but the majority of the committee is made up of community volunteers. Their commitment and energy is what allows the event to grow year after year by bringing in new sponsors, new auction item donors and new guests. The Derby Preview Party Committee supports the Wellspring Development Staff in assuring a successful event by:

Securing sponsors/table sales at the $10,000, $7,500, $5,000, $2,750 and $1,700 levels.

Helping to see that individual ticket sales, once combined with sponsorships and table sales, bring a total of 550 guests to the event. (Projected single ticket price for this year’s event is $175, or table of 8 for $1,700)

Procuring both live and silent auction items

Helping to promote the event via radio, television, print media and social networking - especially identifying those opportunities that are "no-cost or low-cost" such as guest spots on radio and TV, free community events listings in newspapers, magazines and websites. Committee members also help secure donated advertising in magazines (like Louisville Magazine, Today’s Woman, etc.) newspapers (like the C-J, Leo, Biz First, etc.) and billboards.

Providing assistance with event set-up, beginning the day before the event and completing by early afternoon on the day of the event. We also need help in a variety of ways at the event.

Provide assistance with event take-down on the day after the event

Celebrate the event’s success and offer suggestions for the 2018 Derby Preview Party!

There’s plenty to do, and it takes a wide variety of time and talent to accomplish it all. For anyone interested in Board Membership - this is the place to start!

We know that not everyonecan participate in every way - we welcome whatever each committee member can offer. Attendance at committee meetings is encouraged, but we understand that no one can make meetings all of the time - we simply ask that everyone do the best they can! The committee meets just once monthly during lunchtime from September through April, except in December.