Clark Associates once again held its annual Derby Day fundraiser at The Farm at Eagles Ridge on Saturday evening, May 6, 2023. This year's event marked the 11th anniversary of Derby Day.
Derby Day is the company’s signature event with a weekend full of unique experiences involving Clark Associates business partners, local community members, and philanthropists in the non-profit community. All proceeds from the event go to Clark Associates Charitable Foundation and will be distributed to a variety of local charities and educational foundations.
Derby Day began in 2013 as a fundraiser for the Conestoga Valley Education Foundation through the creative energy of Beth Clark, wife of company founder. The event quickly grew in scope and capacity. With dedicated efforts of an employee-led Derby Day Committee, revenues have grown from a first-year total of $25,000 to this year’s grand total of over $1.8 million.
Organizations benefiting from Derby Day proceeds include those assisting children and adults with disabilities, foster care programs, and organizations for people in need. Additionally, donations will benefit emergency services and institutions expanding innovative youth education.
Over 250 tickets were purchased for the event, and participants enjoyed the tradition and style of the Kentucky Derby while waiting for “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" to be broadcast live throughout the venue.
Attendees were entertained by the eclectic sounds of The Cat’s Pajamas while enjoying features such as the traditional hat contest emceed by WGAL News 8 reporter Anne Shannon.
Guests enjoyed complimentary mint julep margaritas and mezcal mules, a cigar parlor, bourbon and tequila tasting, horse bets, and games.
Derby Day's growth would not be possible without detailed preparation, so planning for the 2024 event has already begun. Clark Associates CEO Gene Clark summed it up best, “Our Derby Day event is a total team effort. Clark employee volunteers, our Derby Day Planning Committee and, of course, our vendor participants all come together to benefit non-profits that support people in need and youth educational programs. These efforts make it a special weekend of fun in Lancaster and a source of pride for everyone involved.”
Included in this year’s beneficiaries is once again The Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development. Schrieber provides education and therapy programs for infants, children, and adolescents with disabilities, developmental delays, and acquired injuries. Schreiber is in the middle of their $12.4 million “Where Heroes Are Made” capital campaign to expand and renovate its existing facility in Lancaster. I am happy to report that Clark Associates will be contributing $600,000 from this year’s Derby Day proceeds toward the campaign.
About Clark Associates
Clark Associates is a privately held company headquartered in Lancaster, PA and has been recognized as one of Central Pennsylvania's fastest-growing companies as well as Foodservice Equipment & Supplies magazine's 2015 Dealer of the Year.
Employing over 7,000 people, Clark’s multiple divisions and branches in distribution, sales, and technology serve a variety of commercial foodservice customers nationwide. For more information on our business and history, please visit www.clarkinc.biz.