Derby Party Returns to Raise Funds to Fight Homelessness

Enjoy the glamour, excitement and thrills of the Kentucky Derby without ever leaving Illinois!

Hesed House is bringing its annual Derby Party fundraiser back to Naperville, Saturday, May 4, with another spectacular event featuring an outstanding buffet, open bar with specialty cocktails and mocktails, a hat contest, live and silent auctions and a variety of other fabulous activities. Set from 3 to 7 p.m. with an after-party from 7 to 10 p.m., the fun will take place at White Eagle Golf Club, 3400 Club Drive, Naperville. Special treats are planned during the after-party portion of the evening.

“It will be another year of delicious food, fantastic celebration and exciting ways to help our community,” said Lauren Jernigan, Division Director for Development for Hesed House. “You won't want to miss the incredible auction items from local experiences that truly won't be offered anywhere else, to international trips you'll be dreaming of for days! And every penny helps our local neighbors in need, where you can personally come and volunteer and get involved in a real way.”

The second-largest homeless shelter in Illinois, Hesed House serves families and individuals facing homelessness in the community. Among the services Hesed House provides are a women’s overnight emergency shelter, family shelter, case management, a homeless prevention program on-site and off-site supportive housing, advocacy and a day program.

“The Derby Party has become an incredible event for people to not only raise much-needed funds, but also to learn more about the multifaceted work of Hesed House,” Jernigan said. “Not only are we the area's largest overnight emergency shelters for men, women and families, but we also are the area's largest Comprehensive Resource Center dedicated to serving people facing homelessness.”

Gerald Subaru of North Aurora is among the sponsors helping to make the Derby Party possible.

“Gerald Subaru of North Aurora continues to be a valued partner who truly cares for our community,” Jernigan said. “Their sponsorship gives financial support that helps us care for men, women and children each day through meals, shelter and case management that meets the unique needs of each person. Hundreds of people turn to Hesed House each day, and Gerald helps by providing socks, meals and awareness all year long in different ways. The Derby Party has been able to grow through their continued partnership, and we are so grateful!”

Donna Lawler of Gerald Subaru of North Aurora said Gerald is honored to sponsor the Derby Party.

“Derby Party is such a fun event and we look forward to being part of such a worthwhile cause,” Lawler said. “Hesed House does a great deal to help the community and make a difference in the lives of so many individuals in need, and it’s a wonderful feeling to support this event each year.”

To learn more about the Derby Party and Hesed House, visit https://www.hesedhouse.org/event/2024-derby-party/. To learn more about Gerald Subaru of North Aurora, visit www.geraldsubarunorthaurora.com/.