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Alpha Derby Weekend

Presented by the Alphas of Atlanta

Article by Andrew Snorton

Photography by Phrozen Memories

Originally published in SOFU Lifestyle

Since its debut in 2015, the #AlphaDerbyWeekend via the Alphas of Atlanta is one of the largest Kentucky Derby–themed events of its kind. In bringing the experience of Churchill Downs to Atlanta, the event enters its 11th year of inviting those from near and far to join them in the Winner's Circle.

Under the leadership of co-chairs Robert Cunningham and Michael Jones, the team behind the event is comprised of members from its Metro Area Chapters. From its origins as a 2-day event (2015 and 2016) to its evolution to a full weekend (2017), nearly a third of the patrons travel from outside the state of Georgia to immerse themselves in an experience that only the city and the nonprofit can bring.

This year's event takes place April 30th through May 3rd as Guardian Works takes center stage for key days of the weekend (May 1st and May 2nd). Complete with a networking event (sponsors only), golf tournament (more than a third of the players/teams are women), kickoff party/concert (previous years featured Doug E. Fresh, Chubb Rock, and Cupid, the "line dance king"), main watch party (draws a who's who, including Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and other dignitaries along with the audience favorite event, the Best Hat Contest), and Sunday brunch, there truly is something for everyone.

However, it's more than just a destination event for the weekend.

The larger purpose is that the proceeds raised from the event support the nonprofit's programming, which ranges from college fairs, male-mentoring programs, and related educational and enrichment programs. Combined with expansion of their grant program, they in turn provide funding and engagement opportunities for fellow 501c3 entities to leave a larger community footprint across Metro Atlanta.

With a consensus from the committee of the "why" behind the event, it truly separates itself as a key "one of a kind" and an event to keep in mind for the entire weekend (or select days).  

Likewise, there are flexible options for single-day to full-weekend packages, along with branding (sponsor) opportunities for businesses from an array of backgrounds (packages start at $250). As the co-chairs note, "We are grateful for the support we've received, and we want to do our part in providing different access points across the board."

For details on all packages (tickets, branding, travel, and related information), visit alphaderbyweekend.com, Alphas of Atlanta (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter), along with @Alpha_Derby on Instagram and Twitter.

As the saying goes, there's no place like being in the Winner's Circle, especially when it comes to the programming and purpose provided by the Alphas of Atlanta for the 11th edition of the #AlphaDerbyWeekend.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit

Website: alphaderbyweekend.com

Social media: @alphasofatlanta and @alpha_derby (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X)

Hashtags: #AlphaDerbyWeekend #AlphaDerby #AlphasOfAtlanta