Head to the Races with Hats, Horses & Hearts

Kindervelt #50, one of many Kindervelt organizations that raise money for Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, is constantly working to raise funds and awareness to help children receiving care.

Each Kindervelt group, identifiable by their respective numbers, works to fill a need that Cincinnati Children’s has. Kindervelt #50, a group of volunteers from Indian Hill, Kenwood and surrounding areas specifically works to help Cincinnati Children’s Heart Institute/Kindervelt Neurodevelopmental and Educational Clinic. This clinic works to serve the needs of children suffering from complex heart problems, particularly those who are at a greater risk for neurodevelopmental issues that might go hand-in-hand with their heart problems. This organization is one of the first programs in the country to provide this level of targeted care for children.

To help these children, the volunteers of Kindervelt #50 band together to sponsor several fundraising events throughout the year. They are grateful for the support of several businesses that help make this event a success, including Mercedes Benz of Cincinnati, the John R. Jurgenson Company and Pure Romance.

This spring, those who are interested in supporting the organization and like to have fun, too, can purchase a ticket for Hats, Horses & Hearts. Attendees will don the traditional outrageous hats that have become so typical of the Kentucky Derby and come together to watch the most exciting two minutes in sports. The viewing experience, with large televisions and a first-class sound system, will make those at the event feel like they are sitting track-side at Churchill downs. "Specifically, it’s a Derby party, which I think is going to be a lot of fun. Besides the viewing – which is probably one of the most important things – we’ve got race cards for bidding, bourbon tasting and more," says co-chair Heather Joseph.

Throughout the day’s festivities, the event will also boast silent auctions, raffles and dinner by the bite – followed by dancing into the night. "We have a phenomenal menu and an amazing raffle that I am really excited about," says Joseph. "We have a first prize of two Ultimate Air Shuttle tickets to Chicago, second prize is dinner and wine for eight in Kenwood and third is a Burberry purse." She adds that this doesn’t even include the amazing prizes included in the silent auction – like a vacation trip to Cabo San Lucas.

Typically Kindervelt #50’s spring fundraising events raise the most money for Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, and Joseph says she thinks this Derby party could be their best event yet.

"Historically, we’ve had spring fundraisers every year that are diffeently themed, but we’re thinking this could, hopefully, become a constant," says Joseph.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.kindervelt.org/hatshorseshearts