For over 140 years, The Children's Foundation has supported research and wellness programs at Children's Hospital of Michigan (CHM).
Funding is critical to continuing this legacy of helping kids with their physical and mental health needs. One of the Foundation's major fundraisers is its annual Derby for Kids.
This fun and festive event will take place on May 4th at the Country Club of Detroit, and it will be bigger and better than ever. Guests will enjoy Southern cuisine, mint juleps, and a silent auction while watching the 150th Kentucky Derby live on big screens.
"The last few years, we've had about 500 people attend, and this year, we expect about the same," says Lisa Schrage, one of the co-chairs, along with Kelly Hilliard, Rose Bolyard, and Mariana Parke. "In 2023, we raised $220,000, and this year, we're hoping to raise $500,000."
Along with the usual amazing offerings, one thing that will be different this year is the educational aspect. "We plan to play a video that will capture the audience and shows where we especially need their support," says Lisa. "That will tie back into showing where their money is going."
This video will allow them to tell the story about the hard work CHM is doing and the dedication it has to help children live better lives. This year's event will focus on four areas - mental health, substance use disorders, health equity and access, and legacy initiatives of the hospital.
"There's a stigma around mental health, and we're working hard to teach our children and the community to help others and try to get rid of that stigma," says Kelly. "So, I think this mission is about getting kids the help they need before it's too late."
Adds Lisa, "Kelly and I have both learned a lot about the science behind how important it is to reduce the stigma associated with mental health and substance use. Especially knowing that if we had changed the way we thought and were more open to speaking about it and allowing people who had issues to be open and feel welcome and loved in a safe environment, maybe this could have reshaped where we are now.
"Our community suffered several losses in the fall associated with issues that could have been related to these issues. The earlier we can educate everyone, the better."
As parents, Kelly and Lisa feel it's important to be involved in this type of philanthropy and have co-chaired the event for the past five years.
"Kelly and I are sisters-in-law. We raise our children together - she has quadruplets, and I have a son and twins. By doing this, we've also inspired our kids. They see us working hard and when I tell them it's for children's health services, they want to know more."
Adds Kelly, "This mission has a special place in my heart, and I'll always volunteer to help."
While they love helping the young people in their community, they focus on broadening their reach. "In 2022, the event really blew up," says Lisa. "There was this motivation and momentum to keep the ball rolling and it just felt like it was a time that our community needed it more than ever. And, we need to keep building that and getting more people involved."
Both women agree that they couldn't have done what they're doing without the support of the other co-chairs, the entire 20-member committee, and the local people and businesses.
"I was born and raised in Grosse Pointe," says Kelly. My family and I moved back about six years ago. The community's support has been incredible."
"I'm from Madison Heights, on the west side, but I moved to Grosse Pointe with Brian, Kelly's brother, in 2010," says Lisa. I can't imagine raising my kids anywhere else."
While ticket sales are a big part of the fundraiser, so is the silent auction. "We have trips and all sorts of exciting items, and we open that up a couple of weeks before the event and roll out items gradually, so not everything will be out the first time," she says.
Some of these wonderful prizes are donated by individuals, including a stay in a personal vacation home and a trip to Portugal this year, while other items, such as tickets to the PGA Tour and a trip to Aspen, come from local companies.
Come out and support this great cause, have an unforgettable time and help children live happier and healthier lives. "We hope to see as many people as possible on May 4th," says Kelly.
To buy tickets and bid on the silent auction, go to YourChildrensFoundation.org/events/Derby2024/.
"In 2023, we raised $220,000, and this year, we're hoping to raise $500,000."
"We have trips and all sorts of exciting items, and we open that up a couple weeks before the event and roll out items gradually, so not everything will be out there the first time.
