PDJF to Benefit From 'Fillies & Lillies'

The "Fillies & Lilies Party," one of Kentucky Derby week's new social happenings, has named the Permanently Disabled Jockeys' Fund as the event's charity beneficiary for 2015.

 

The announcement was made March 25 by QuintEvents' Derby Experiences, the official experience package provider to Churchill Downs.

 

The Fillies & Lilies Party at the Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville is the only Derby week event staged on the grounds at Churchill. It is set for May 1 at 7:30 p.m. EDT, about an hour after the running of the Longines Kentucky Oaks (gr. I).

 

"We are honored to be a part of such a high-profile event at the Kentucky Derby Museum, right there on the grounds at Churchill," Nancy LaSala, president of the PDJF, said in a release. "We look forward to celebrating our mission with our supporters and with all the Derby Experiences guests."

 

The PDJF is an independent 501(c) (3) public charity that provides financial assistance to former jockeys who have suffered catastrophic on-track injuries. Created in 2006 by leaders in the horse racing industry, the PDJF has disbursed more than $6 million and currently supports 61 permanently disabled jockeys, most of whom have paralysis or traumatic brain injuries.

 

"Jockeys are unique among all professional athletes with their combination of courage and skill, and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys' Fund is a critical part of horse racing's support system," said Ken Kurek, a partner at QuintEvents, which operates Derby Experiences in partnership with Churchill. "It is a privilege to provide this fundraising and recognition platform, as the PDJF pursues its mission."

 

Derby Experiences will donate $100 from each of the remaining tickets sold to the Fillies & Lilies Party to the PDJF on behalf of its clients. There will be a check presentation to the PDJF, with several Kentucky Oaks and Derby jockeys expected to attend.

 

This year's headline entertainment for the Fillies & Lilies Party is platinum-selling recording artist Sara Evans, who recently released her seventh studio album "Slow Me Down," which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart and was named by Billboard Magazine as one of the 10 best Country albums of 2014.

 

Also planned is a special tribute to Ron Turcotte, who rode Secretariat to the Triple Crown in 1973. Turcotte, permanently disabled in an on-track accident in 1978, broke both his legs in a one-car accident in early March and is recuperating in his native Canada.

 

Tickets to the Fillies & Lilies Party, priced at $599, are available at www.derbyexperiences.com or by calling toll free at (888) 384-7088.