SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – It’s time to whip out your wide-brimmed hats and pastel suits for the second annual Run for the Roses Kentucky Derby Fundraiser at Lake Tahoe Golf Course, hosted by Tahoe Ballet and Performing Arts Foundation on Saturday, May 2.
Starting as a class of just three children taught by Kelly O’Fallon at her studio to now a successful nonprofit foundation holding 62 kids in its program, the Tahoe Ballet and Performing Arts Foundation strives to bridge the gap of accessible, high-quality ballet and performing arts opportunities to children in the community.
A big part of their success is their initiative to hold fundraising events that accelerate change.
“I love to fundraise, but it’s really important to be passionate about what you’re fundraising for,” said Kelly Tillson, Co-founder and Board President of Tahoe Ballet and Performing Arts Foundation. “Because it’s a big ask to ask people in the community to support something. We’re just so passionate about where our program has evolved from what was supposed to be a three-day camp to now offering classes.”
As the foundation gears up for their big recital in June at Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC), Tillson notes how great it is to see the community come together to support their cause.
This year’s second annual Run for the Roses Kentucky Derby Fundraiser is a family-friendly event and provides the opportunity to sponsor a dancer. Folks can donate $100 for sponsorship and be entered into a drawing to win a lakeview room at the stunning property of Edgewood Tahoe Resort. Tickets can be purchased in-person only until May 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tillson Law, located at 589 Tahoe Keys Blvd, Suite E4 in South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Guests attending the event can sponsor a dancer in-person at the fundraiser for $50. The drawing will be held during the Kentucky Derby Fundraiser, and winners don’t have to be present to win.
In addition to sponsoring a dancer, the event will be teeming with fun things for everyone to enjoy, including children’s activities like Ever After Production characters and facepainting, a live auction and raffle with opportunities to pick your winning horse, appetizers, a cash bar, and of course the excitement of watching the Kentucky Derby races at the beautiful Lake Tahoe Golf Course. “Guests are encouraged to come dressed in Derby best.”
Items for the live auction and raffle include a stay at a Santa Cruz vacation rental, a helicopter tour, SLT Police Department tour, Reno Ace’s tickets, gift cards to amazing local restaurants, nature walk with Tahoe Toogee, boat and jet ski rentals, Sunset Sail, LTCC Connect Camp, hotel stays and more.
“The Tahoe Ballet and Performing Arts Foundation is deeply grateful to our Derby Sponsors and the many local businesses, individuals, and attendees whose generosity fuels this event. Because of you, we are able to provide no-cost, high-quality performing arts opportunities to children in South Lake Tahoe,” Tillson said.
The Run for the Roses Kentucky Derby Fundraiser starts at 1 p.m. and ends at 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 2.
Tickets are $65 per adult and $30 per child under 18-years-old. Funds raised directly support the Tahoe Ballet and Performing Arts Foundation’s mission.
“Our mission comes to life through the dedication of our board, the talent of our instructors, the commitment of our families and dancers, and the support of our community organizations—including SLT Arts, Culture, and Tourism Commission, Caesars Foundation, Tahoe Arts Project, Soroptimist International of Tahoe Sierra, Edgewood Ladies Golf Club, Tahoe Women’s Community Fund, MVMNT Dance Studio, and the incredible team at the South Lake Tahoe Recreation and Swim Complex,” said Tillson.
Sponsors for the event include Goal Foundation, Tahoe Immigration Law, Tillson Law, Pelodog, BFD/Key Architecture, Diamond Woodcraft, Barton, and Liberty Utilities.
“Together, as a community, we have come together to open doors, inspire creativity, and shape a brighter future for the children of South Lake Tahoe,” Tillson added.
Purchase tickets to the second annual Run for the Roses Kentucky Derby Fundraiser by visiting https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2nd-annual-run-for-the-roses-kentucky-derby-fundraiser.
To learn more about the Tahoe Ballet and Performing Arts Foundation, find them on Facebook or Instagram: @tahoeballetpaf
