43rd Kentucky Derby Ball and Auction

Generosity reigned this year at the black tie fundraising event for the Boys and Girls Club of North County, which was held at the beautiful Pala Mesa Resort on Saturday, May 7. This year the event, which drew 325 guests and was held the same day as the Kentucky Derby, was built around the theme “Talk Derby to Me.”

“The event was sold out,” said Abe Oliveras, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club. “We are still tabulating, but we expect to exceed our goal of $150,000.” The event raises funds for three Boys and Girls Club facilities in Fallbrook, Bonsall and Pala as well as for after-school programs held at Fallbrook Street, Maie Ellis, Live Oak and William Frazier elementary schools. “Although $150,000 sounds like a lot we have a $900,000 budget to meet,” explained Oliveras. He also expressed his thanks to the entire community for supporting the club. The programs reach approximately 2,500 area youth.

Grammy award winner Willie Nelson, who served as honorary chair, wasn’t able to make the event, but a look-a-like was strolling around the grounds as guest surveyed the silent auction tables.

Auction items included a signed Willie Nelson guitar donated by the singer, Connie Nelson and the honorary committee, and a Willie Nelson ‘Farm Aid’ tour jacket donated by Rita Coolidge and Nelson. Other auction items that caused quite a stir were a photograph of Muhammad Ali and Elvis Presley, which was autographed by Ali, as well as a script from the movie “Predator” autographed by Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The guests dined on a duet of filet mignon in red wine sauce and swordfish with lemon sage while listening to the band ‘Serious Fun.’ The meal was topped off by an appropriate dessert: Kentucky Bourbon Apple Blossom.