STATE COLLEGE — When it comes to special fundraising events, the annual Race Day Soiree — which benefits Coaches vs. Cancer of Penn State, the American Cancer Society and the Bob Perks Cancer Assistance Fund — is surely a popular one.
The event will be held rain or shine on May 6 in conjunction with the “Run for the Roses” — the 149th Kentucky Derby.
“This is our 13th annual Race Day Soiree,” said Linda Gall, who, along with her husband, Blake, and their family, will host the event at their home in Boalsburg. “We have hosted all of them in our backyard.”
The first-ever Race Day Soiree was held in 2011. There were a couple of years lost to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, more than $50,000 was raised to support ACS education, outreach and research work.
“That was a high point for us,” Gall said.
The Race Day Soiree is now under the CVC umbrella, which changes the way funds are distributed.
“A unique aspect of our fundraising is that, through our partnership with Coaches vs. Cancer of Penn State, a significant portion of our proceeds stay local in support of the Bob Perks Cancer Assistance Fund,” Gall said. “In addition, in 2022, through our Mission Appeal, almost $12,000 was raised for Philadelphia Hope Lodge — a home away from home for cancer patients and their families when they’re in treatment.”
Gall said she’s thrilled the event helps so many.
Even if you aren’t a horse racing expert, the Race Day Soiree has something for everyone. Of course, there will be betting on the horses racing in the Kentucky Derby, but there will be so much more.
Horse-drawn carriages will take guests from the parking area to the tent, and there will be live music provided by the Deacons of Dixieland, a wine and spirits toss game, a photobooth, a bourbon-tasting event, a full-service bar with mint juleps and food provided by Catering with Style.
And, of course, the race will be broadcast on large TV screens.
“We’ll have activities inside the tent and outside the tent if the weather permits,” Gall said. “The whole atmosphere is very festive.”
That includes dressing for the event. Those attending are encouraged to wear outfits as if they were attending the Kentucky Derby.
“The first year, people weren’t sure about wearing hats and stuff like that. But we have a very loyal crowd that has evolved over time. Derby hats and derby attire are encouraged. People have a lot of fun … it’s very social, very festive,” Gall said.
Tickets for the Race Day Soiree are still available.
“We are eager to have new people come and check it out,” Gall said. “Tickets are still available.”
To purchase tickets for the Race Day Soiree, visit e.givesmart.com/events/tUv/page/SoireeTickets/
IF YOU GO
What: 13th annual Race Day Soiree
Where: Gall Residence, Boalsburg
When: 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., Saturday, May 6
Tickets: e.givesmart.com/events/tUv/page/SoireeTickets/
