More than 200 guests congregated on May 2 for the inaugural Hats, Horses & Helping Hands Derby fundraiser to benefit Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN), presented by Synovus at Lake Oconee Equestrian in Eatonton.
Centered around the “most exciting two minutes in sports” — the Kentucky Derby — guests arrived in their Derby best, from colorful hats to seersucker suits, competing for “Best in Show” Derby-style awards while sipping traditional mint juleps.
The evening captured the spirit and pageantry of the Derby, transporting guests straight to Churchill Downs, setting the stage for what is set to become a new annual tradition for the Lake Oconee community.
Known for its rolling pastures, state-of-the-art boarding facilities, and curated events, Lake Oconee Equestrian provided a memorable setting. It introduced many guests to one of the region’s newest and most unique event destinations.
The stables themselves became part of the experience, with horses occasionally peeking out to greet guests exploring the festivities.
Throughout the evening, attendees enjoyed live Derby coverage on a large video wall, the traditional “call to post” from a live bugle player, Derby-inspired games, a show jumping demonstration, a silent auction, and a meaningful Fund-a-Need paddle raise supporting NHN’s Beds for Kidz and car programs.
While the race itself delivered an exciting finish — with Golden Tempo overcoming 23-1 odds to win by a nose — the true winners of the evening will be local families in Greene and Putnam counties who receive new beds and bedding for kids and good, used cars for parents.
Thanks to the generosity of donors and sponsors, record-breaking funds were raised, enabling NHN to provide 17 reliable vehicles for local families and 58 beds for children without one of their own.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Inc. is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Greene and Putnam counties. Built by neighbors for neighbors, NHN helps individuals and families facing hardship move forward with dignity, stability, and hope. In its first six years, NHN completed more than 280 critical home repairs, provided over 56 vehicle repairs or replacements, and delivered more than 900 beds to local children.
NHN extends deepest thanks to its many donors, members, volunteers, sponsors, and community supporters — including Synovus and Renee and Till von Ruexleben of Lake Oconee Equestrian — for helping make the inaugural NHN Derby fundraiser such a tremendous success.
For more information about NHN, visit nhnga.org or email Allyn Rippin at execdir@nhnga.org.