Get ready for an unforgettable evening of elegance, excitement and philanthropy at Derby of Dreams: Racing for the Arts and Academics. The event will take place on Saturday, May 3 at the Polo Club at the National Polo Center, located at 3667 120th Avenue South in Wellington, benefiting the Dreyfoos School of the Arts.
Guests will immerse themselves in an evening filled with thrilling entertainment, stylish fashion, and a deep commitment to supporting arts and education. Attendees can take part in the Derby Hat and Bowtie Contest, showcasing their best race-day attire, and experience the excitement of watching the Kentucky Derby live from the picturesque grounds of the National Polo Center.
The unforgettable event will feature a captivating live performance by Grammy Award-winning artist Charlie Porter, a Palm Beach County School of the Arts music alumnus from the Class of 1996, alongside Tara Simon, a 2002 Dreyfoos School of the Arts alumna, Broadway veteran, “X Factor” finalist and celebrity vocal coach at Tara Simon Studios, as well as Grammy and Tony Award-winning artist John Lloyd Young.
Guests will also enjoy inspiring performances by Dreyfoos students and have the opportunity to bid on auction pieces created by talented alumni, including designs by Karina Brez Jewelry, along with commissioned artwork from Kyle Lucks, a sought-after sports and lifestyle artist, and alumnae Nava Lundy, Michelle Sherman and Olivia Hollaus, founder of Protect My Shoes.
The evening’s silent auction will feature an exciting array of items, including golf packages at Emerald Dunes, Admirals Cove, Trump International and Apogee; a “Jockey for a Day” experience with professional jockey Mike E. Smith; a professional polo lesson; and a unique National Croquet Center experience.
Attendees will also indulge in a gourmet dinner and cocktails, featuring signature mint juleps, a nod to the rich traditions of the Kentucky Derby.
This year’s honorees, J. Michael Prince, president and CEO of USPA Global, and Kimberly Bluhm, philanthropist and art collector, will be recognized for their dedication and contributions to the arts and education. Event chairs Nancy Hart, Karen Swanson, Francine Walker and Alix Troast have meticulously curated an evening that promises both entertainment and impact.
The Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, a top-ranked public magnet high school in West Palm Beach, continues to set new standards for excellence under the leadership of Principal Blake Bennett. The school has impressively climbed from No. 111 to No. 91 in national rankings out of nearly 25,000 high schools in just three years. This growth is driven by a commitment to student success, offering unparalleled college-level courses, scholarships and mental health support, alongside its world-class arts programs.
With the unwavering support of the Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation, students benefit from resources such as college and testing prep, classroom enhancements, private lessons, travel opportunities, musical instruments, financial aid and scholarships for students in all grade levels. These initiatives play a crucial role in ensuring that students can reach their highest potential, both academically and artistically.
To learn more about the event and how you can contribute, visit the Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation’s web site at www.soafi.org. Ticket prices start at $850. To purchase tickets or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, visit www.derbyofdreams.org.
