KNOW BEFORE YOU GO​​

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Attire:

 

Saturday is “all Kentucky Derby”, so dress like you are going to Churchill Downs! Don’t forget your hat or fascinator. Most of all, make sure you are comfortable because there will be dancing at the end of the evening to the Suburbans. We will have a complimentary Cigar Lounge outdoors and the horses are obviously outside, so feel free to bring a light jacket if you think you will need it.

 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

3:30-5:30 p.m. Check-in and VIP Tent Party

Signature Drinks and Appetizers

Red Door Grill

Purchase Bourbon Raffle Tickets

Silent Auction  

5:00 p.m. National Anthem

5:57 p.m. KENTUCKY DERBY 

WHFV Arena

6:15 p.m. Welcome 

Frank Boal, Master of Ceremonies 

6:30 p.m. Dinner Buffet

Live Painting by Josie Butler

Red Door Grill 

7:00 p.m. Derby Program

Bourbon Raffle Winners Announced 

WHFV Keynote Speaker

Video Presentation

Live Auction

“The Final Stretch” Appeal

8:30-11:00 p.m. Music and Dancing by the Suburbans

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Travel to War Horses, Parking and Transportation: 

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(VERY IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ)

Everyone has likely traveled on 69 Highway in the past few years and seen the construction being done. We wanted to remind you to expect delays when coming to War Horses on Saturday and allow yourselves a little extra time if you are coming from the North. Also, again this year, we have contracted with Blue Valley Southwest High School for the day of our event. They are allowing all of our guests to park in their NE corner lot at 17600 Quivira Road, Overland Park, KS 66221 (there will be directional signs). Shuttles will be transporting all guests from BVSW High School to the event beginning at 3 p.m. and running consistently throughout the afternoon and evening. Shuttles will also be available throughout the evening to take you back to BVSW High School to get your car when you are ready to depart. There will only be parking on site for guests with a handicap sticker or for our volunteers and vendors.

 

Please let us know (by Friday) if you will be utilizing handicap parking for the event by emailing Bret Cortright, Director of Operations at bret@whfv.org.

 

WHFV Bourbon Raffle
 

Plan to purchase a chance to win one of three incredible Bourbon packages or a three day stay in beautiful Villa McFuego in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico! Tickets are $100 each and the winners will be drawn after dinner on Saturday!

 

Our Incredible Food and Drink Line-Up:

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Red Door Grill is honored to be part of the 4th Annual War Horses for Veterans Derby Party, celebrating and supporting our nation’s combat veterans and first responders. Throughout the evening, guests will be treated to an exciting lineup of food and beverage offerings inspired by the spirit of the Kentucky Derby and the hospitality of the South.

 

As guests arrive, they will be welcomed with a choice of two featured cocktails designed to set the tone for the evening: the classic Horse Soldier Mint Julep, crafted with Horse Soldier Bourbon, and the refreshing Tito’s Southern Strawberry Lemonade. Both selections offer a vibrant start to a day dedicated to celebration and gratitude.

 

Beginning at 3:30 PM, and throughout check-in, the VIP Tent Party will feature an assortment of passed appetizers, highlighting southern favorites with a creative twist. Guests can enjoy Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs, Bourbon Spiced Charred Chicken Wings, Animal Style Ritz Cheeseburger Sliders, and Ham & Butter Pickle Pinwheels. Additionally, a slider station will showcase Pulled Pork & Coleslaw Sliders alongside Mississippi Pulled Chicken Sliders, offering hearty bites to get the evening going. 

 

Following the National Anthem, the running of the Kentucky Derby, and the opening ceremonies, a full dinner buffet will be served at 6:30 PM. This year’s menu continues to honor Horse Soldier Bourbon with two bourbon-infused entrée features: Roasted Strip Loin topped with a bourbon garlic cream sauce, and a Spiral Ham finished with a rich bourbon cherry glaze. These mains will be complemented by a selection of southern-inspired sides, including Creamy Cucumber Salad, Green Chile Mac & Cheese, Bacon Jam Brussels Sprouts, and Hot Honey Cornbread Muffins — each crafted to bring warmth and comfort to the table.

To conclude the evening on a sweet note, guests will indulge in our signature Pecan Pie Bark, offering one more taste of the South to finish the experience.

 

We will also enjoy Andy's Frozen Custard. Late night snacks will also be provided by Red Door Grill when you are ready to take a break from the dance floor!

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*Each bar will also be serving wine, beer, soda and water. 

It is very important that every guest takes the time to register online as soon as possible. We hope to release our Silent Auction tomorrow so if you are registered, you can start bidding! Also, once you arrive at the party, if you are already registered, you can just stop in the lounge to check-in, get your bid paddle and start having fun! Registering in advance will make things simple and easy for everyone on Saturday!

 

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, May 3rd. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Bret Cortright at bret@whfv.org or Christy Heller at christy@whfv.org.