HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – At the Crockett Foundation's (www.crockettfoundation.org) 2nd annual Derby Days Belmont Stakes Party on June 7, 2014 from 5–9 p.m., attendees will not only celebrate world-class horses reaching the finish line, but also raise much-needed funds for South Florida youth to reach the goal of literacy. Funds will benefit the nonprofit Crockett Foundation's School is Cool program, focusing on improving literacy among middle school students. The Crockett Foundation is led by Henri Crockett, anative of Pompano Beach, Fla. and former NFL player with the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings; and his brother Zach Crockett, a retired NFL player and current scout for the Oakland Raiders.
The Derby Days Belmont Stakes Party will take place at O-Lounge (333 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301) and Vibe nightclub (301 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301), adjacent to YOLO restaurant. Guests will enjoy interactive entertainment, D.J. music, celebrity bartenders, and "Best Dressed" and "Best Hat" contests. Raffle tickets, derby squares and a silent auction will feature items such as weekend getaways, restaurant dining, movie passes, a seven-day resort stay on the beautiful island of Antigua, limousine rides, and much more. Audi Coral Springs' latest luxury cars will be showcased. The attire is derby chic. Event production by Events by Vento Designs.
Invited celebrity guests include retired NBA player Eddie Jones, Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief, Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel, Broward County School Board Member Dr. Rosalind Osgood, Florida State Senator Chris Smith–District 31, Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner Bobby DuBose, Pompano Beach Mayor Lamar Fisher, Miramar City Commissioner Wayne Messam, retired NFL players Henri and Zach Crockett and Fred Taylor, and many more.
Broward County leads the nation in the number of high school dropouts. According to research, many students drop out prior to high school because they cannot read, or because of delinquentbehavior resulting from not being able to read. The Crockett Foundation's School is Cool program, at Margate Middle School in Margate, Fla., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4–6 p.m., focuses on improving literacy among middle school students. Students are encouraged to improve attendance, behavior and course performance through the engagement of technology. Students work with iPads and desktop computers to access online reference materials, complete math and reading exercises and play educational games. The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) approach is utilized to encourage students to embrace technology and develop skills that will help them throughout their lives.
Sponsorship opportunities, ranging from the Parlay – Vibe Fire Pit Sponsor for $500 to the Belmont Stakes Sponsor for $7,500, are available.
VIP tickets, priced at $100 per ticket, include:
· One admission to the Celebrity VIP O-Lounge
· Designated VIP wine and beer open bar
· Designated VIP chef's specialty unlimited hors d'oeuvres
· VIP sweets station by Sweet Serving
· One free play for Belmont Raffle ticket for chance to win door prize
Individual tickets, priced at $40 per ticket pre-sale (by June 6), or $50 per ticket at the door, include:
One general admission to Vibe nightclub
Two complimentary drink tickets
Complimentary hors d'oeuvres
For further event information, sponsorship information, or to purchase tickets, please contact the Crockett Foundation at (954) 200-1924 or www.crockettfoundation.org. The Crockett Foundation is a 501(c)(3), and 75 percent of the ticket price is tax deductible.
"Since 2002, we at the Crockett Foundation have continuously been striving to build strong communities through our various educational, mentoring and tutorial programs," said Henri Crockett, founder and executive director of the Crockett Foundation. "The Derby Days Belmont Stakes Party will serve not only as a fun-filled, unique event, butalso help our foundation to continue to provide literacy opportunities to youth, helping to build character, develop leaders, and improve communities – one child at a time."
About the Crockett Foundation
The Crockett Foundation is a South Florida-based non-profit organization committed to improving quality of life and building strong communities locally and internationally, wherever there is a need. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities, increase health and awareness, and inspire and equip today's youth that they may overcome social limitations and realize their full potential, growing to become productive and contributing members of tomorrow's global community. For more information, visit www.crockettfoundation.org, email info@crockettfoundation.org, or call 954-200-1924.
