Derby Day 2025

Get ready to place your bets!

Join us on Saturday, May 3, 2025 for Derby Day in the CA Athletic Center.

Evening Schedule

5:30 p.m.
🏇 Derby Delights – Start your evening in the West Gym with Mint Juleps (the signature Derby cocktail!) and other drinks plus a spread of Southern-inspired bites that will have you racing back for seconds. New this year, The Paddock will be a dedicated gathering space to reconnect with old friends or meet new ones! Whether you're arriving solo or meeting up with a group, The Paddock is the perfect meet-up spot during the Pre-Party. Derby Day committee members will be on hand to welcome guests, and you will have the opportunity to enter the drawing for a fantastic Yeti cooler. Special thanks to the Martin Family for sponsoring the Derby Day Pre-Party and to Isiah and Erin Salazar & Jason and Angelique Belvill for sponsoring The Paddock.  

7:00 p.m.
🎩 The Main Event – Head to the Winner’s Circle for the inspiring program and Live Auction. Special thanks to Hirtle Callaghan and VRCC Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital for sponsoring the Impact Video. 

8:00 p.m.
💃 After-Party – Trot back over to the West Gym for tasty bites, live music by Second Gear Bluegrass (sponsored by Matter Family Office), and revelry for a final furlong of fun! 

Derby-Inspired Attire

A sundress with a Derby hat or fascinator, a seersucker suit or colorful sport coat with a bow tie, anything floral or gingham—or whatever you are comfortable wearing

Support for Financial Aid

All net proceeds from Derby Day support Colorado Academy’s financial aid program. CA is slated to provide $5.5 million in financial aid for the 2025-2026 school year. The school’s financial aid budget is also funded by The CA Fund, endowment returns, and a percentage of tuition.

Questions? Contact Nevare Desnoyers (CA Events Manager), 303-914-2509.

Derby Day Committee

• Derby Day 2025 Chairs: Caity Barton and Jess Sigala
• Décor and Design Chair: Alison Gile
• Silent Auction Chair: Maggie Shapiro

• Lower School Packages Chairs: Kira Healey, Margit Patterson

• Live Auction Chair: Jocelyn Ege

• Community Outreach Chairs: Polly Edelmann, Erin Gleaton, Tanya Hicks, Marie White

• Patron Outreach Chairs: Kelly Haley, Vanessa Homuth, Ann Benson Reidy ‘88

• Patron Party Chairs: Jill Koch, Amy Smith
• Patron Stewardship Chairs: Andi Freyer, Healy Parks

• Jenny Baker-Strasburg
• Kelly Ballenger
• Alexandra Band  
• Janelle Blessing
• Stephanie Cramer
• Joy Detra
• Julia Völkel Emerson ‘94
• Lyndsey Farncombe
• Willa Fawer
• Mackenzie Hamilton
• Brooke Howald
• Kati Johns
• Ann Jordan
• Whitney Ladd
• Julianne Maron 
• Cat McEachern
• Leigh McMahon
• Jennifer Miller
• Amy Mohraz
• Kim Montgomery
• Liz Buckingham Oertel ‘93
• Jill Boat Rakowski ‘92
• Natalie Newcom Ralston ‘99
• Kellie Slater Reiland ‘06
• Andrea Rettig
• Melinda Robinson
• Greer Ryan
• Kedzie Schoenwetter ‘06
• Elana Schwartzreich
• Adrian Simon
• Shelby Stern
• Amy Stettner
• Laura Whalen