Now in its ninth year, the Hoover City Schools Foundation’s largest fundraiser, commonly known as Denim & Dining, is kicking things up with a new name and a new look: Derby & Dining, replete with a Kentucky Derby theme.
“We’re turning everything on its ear. We’re refreshing,” said Ann Marie Harvey, executive director of the Hoover City Schools Foundation. “We were trying to come up with some new ideas, and we thought of the Kentucky Derby that’s coming up. It’s kind of funny because I’m originally from Kentucky.”
As timing would have it, this year’s event will be held on May 2, the day before the traditional horse racing event that will take place on May 3.
“Derby attire is encouraged, so that includes hats or fascinators, but that is purely up to the individual,” Harvey said.
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Photos by Allison Carpenter
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Photos by Allison Carpenter
Established in 1992, the Hoover City Schools Foundation is a nonprofit organization that seeks to provide grants, scholarships and innovative programs for teachers and students in the 17 schools of the Hoover City Schools system. Derby & Dining officially kicks off the Foundation’s annual Commit to 36 campaign.
“If we can raise $36 for each student per year, it would add up to more than $500,000,” Harvey said. “Everything from our fundraisers goes to teacher grants and larger district-wide projects.”
Harvey said these fundraisers have helped educators obtain innovative grants they otherwise would not have been able to afford.
“One of our librarians wanted to provide a STEAM to-go kit where a child can check out STEAM materials that help with critical thinking and literary skills,” Harvey said. “Another teacher was able to get sensory light tables that help enhance children’s creativity, motor skills and problem-solving skills.”
Harvey said the fundraisers have also helped students with disabilities. Anna Moncrief, a teacher at South Shades Crest Elementary, used her grant to provide two picture books, A Day with No Words and Do You Want to Play?, for each classroom unit at the school.
“Students would walk by and see children texting with iPads and wonder what they were doing,” Harvey said. “The book A Day with No Words teaches them that some children learn and communicate in nontraditional ways.”
In addition to Derby & Dining and the Commit to 36 campaign, the Foundation recently launched its “$100 for Hoover” initiative, where individuals or small business owners can donate $100 to the Foundation each year.
“I know many entrepreneurs get bombarded by local organizations asking for support,” Harvey said. “We wanted to create a gateway for smaller donations to be made without the pressure of a larger commitment. Once our supporters see the benefits of their contribution, we hope they will continue to give and grow that donation over time.”
Harvey said Derby & Dining attendees will enjoy delicious barbecue provided by Jim ‘N Nicks, whom they have partnered with for several years, and music by Jenna and Ben Kuykendall. Attendees can also participate in a silent auction using the mobile app OneCause.
“We have a jazz band from one of the high schools that always comes to play, and we have culinary students from RC3, Riverchase Career Connection Center, who come out and serve and show off their culinary skills. They’ve always been a great help,” Harvey said.
Previous locations for the event have included the Hoover Met and Aldridge Gardens, but Harvey said that the turn-out for the event has been so successful the last few years that a bigger space was needed, so this year’s fundraiser has moved to Oris & Oak Farm (previously Hare Farm) at 613 Sanders Road in Bluff Park.
“We always have a pretty good turn-out, but we’re hoping even more will come this year,” Harvey said. “The event is open to anyone who wishes to attend, but we strongly encourage Hoover residents to come.”
Derby & Dining will be held Friday, May 2, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person, VIP tickets are $125 per person, and tables for eight people are available for $1,000.
For more information or to order tickets, go to www.hoovercsf.org/events.
When: Friday, May 2 • 6 – 10 p.m.
Where: Oris & Oak Farm in Bluff Park
Cost: Tickets are $75 per person; VIP Tickets are $125 per person, and Tables for eight are $1,000.