The 149th running of the Kentucky Derby was plagued with issues, but not so the 9th annual Derby Day for Charity.

Hosted by the Laurel Ridge Foundation, the event went off without a hitch on May 6 at Latrobe Country Club in Unity.

The signature event of the Ligonier-based private foundation raises funds for other local charities to help enhance the lives of Western Pennsylvania residents in a variety of ways.

As the festivities got underway, event chair and foundation President Jo Rossi told guests that among recipients of funds have been Ligonier Valley Historical Society, Meals on Wheels, a weekend backpack meal program for local school children and a senior center that requested a pool table for its residents.

Prior to the main event, about 120 guests had the opportunity to hone their betting skills on a series of prerecorded races, try their luck on silent auction items and sip a mint julep or other libation of choice.

Dinner followed the livestream of the race from Churchill Downs.

Event committee members included Ashley Frederick, Dee Gano, Cara Griffin, Darlene Griffin, Ella Griffin, Gina Kisel, Kim Kramer, Nicole Lockwood, Deb Louchheim, Nancy Lynch, Ali Morelli, Maria Rossi, Meredith Rossi, Lisa Spitzer, Samantha Spitzer and Suzanne Ward.

Seen: Donnie Rossi, Adrian Rossi, Don Kramer, Mark Spitzer, Rich Lopretto and Phyllis Bertok, Allan and Mary Ellen Wampler, Terry Graft and Linda Brown, Alex and Kalyn Letizia, David and Nancy Heider, Kristen Miller, Meghan Budinger, Erica Nuckles, Steve and Sally Nuckles, Caesar Azzam, Marwan Azzam, Ray and Linda Shields, Diane Harshberger, Jeff Cook, Chris and Carolyn Turner and Chris and Lindsay Wilcox.

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)