Out & About: And they’re off to Derby Day for Charity

Shirley McMarlin
Sunday, May 8, 2022 8:07 a.m. | Sunday, May 8, 2022 8:07 a.m.

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Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

From left: David and Nancy Heider of Ligonier Township with Linda and John Dixon, Redstone Highlands corporate director of marketing and sales and president, respectively, at the Laurel Ridge Foundation’s Derby Day for Charity, on May 7 at Latrobe Country Club.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

Laurel Ridge Foundation President Jo Rossi with her husband, Jim Rossi, at the organization’s Derby Day for Charity, on May 7 at Latrobe Country Club.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

Don Kramer and Kim Kramer, Laurel Ridge Foundation financial consultant, at the organization’s Derby Day for Charity, on May 7 at Latrobe Country Club.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

Dr. Joel Sarner of Fox Chapel and Tommie Korneke of Ligonier at the Laurel Ridge Foundation’s Derby Day for Charity, on May 7 at Latrobe Country Club.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

Mike and Suzanne Ward of Hempfield at the Laurel Ridge Foundation’s Derby Day for Charity, on May 7 at Latrobe Country Club.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

Michael Brooks and Rheana Lipscomb, both of Pittsburgh, at the Laurel Ridge Foundation’s Derby Day for Charity, on May 7 at Latrobe Country Club.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

Laurel Ridge Foundation Vice President Lisa Spitzer with her husband, Mark Spitzer, at the organization’s Derby Day for Charity, on May 7 at Latrobe Country Club.

It was 50 degrees and rainy outside, but it was a great Kentucky Derby day inside, as guests gathered Saturday at Latrobe Country Club for the annual Derby Day for Charity.

The apparel was Churchill Downs appropriate, with ladies in colorful frocks and hats and gentlemen in sport coats and the occasional fedora, mint juleps in hand.

Traditionally held under the auspices of Lil Joe’s Society of Support, the event has been passed on to the newly formed Laurel Ridge Foundation.

Foundation President Jo Rossi welcomed about 80 guests with a few tidbits of Derby lore.

Did you know that, since the Derby’s inaugural year in 1875, there have only been two years that it did not take place on the first Saturday of May?

The 1945 Derby was held June 9 because of World War II, and the 2020 race was moved to Sept. 5 due to pandemic concerns.

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Leading up to viewing of the main event, attendees bid on horses featured in a series of prerecorded races. They also had time to bid on silent auction items and enjoy a buffet dinner.

No doubt a few side bets were made on the Derby itself. Let’s hope someone had money on long-shot Rich Strike.

The event raised funds to be dispersed to regional charities through a grant application process.

In addition to Rossi, foundation officers are Lisa Spitzer, vice president; Gina Kisel, secretary; Dee Gano, treasurer; Kim Kramer, financial consultant; Maria Rossi, legal counsel; and Cara Griffin, compliance officer.

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Seen at the party: Jim Rossi, Don Kramer, Mark Spitzer, Mike and Suzanne Ward, David and Nancy Heider, John and Linda Dixon, Rich Lopretto and Phyllis Bertok, Annie Urban, Erica Nuckles, Tim and Anna Ulery, Jon and Madeline Savage, Frank and Cindy Lucente, Michael Brooks and Rheana Lipscomb, Dr. Joel Sarner and Tommie Korneke, Ralph and Karen Artuso, Amy Peer, Beth Ridge and Emily Beilchick.