BUZZWORTHY/Dapper Dudes in Bowties do the Derby

Photo by Allison Priebe Brooks Dapper Dudes in bowties and khakis included Michael Brooks, Tom Hyde, Chuck Chotvacs, Gordon Speed and Chris Hartman

ALEXANDRIA, VA. - What could be better than good down home Kentucky bourbon, dapper dudes in bowties and seersucker, florals, fascinators and other glorious hattery...and the Derby on the telly?
 
The Junior Friends of The Campagna Center held the most amazing Kentucky Derby Party this side of the Mississippi on May 5, as their Third Annual Bowties and Belles party was lovingly co-chaired by longtime members Patti Rouzie, Kimberly Speed and Betty Sayler at the Collingwood Mansion.
 

Photo by Allison Priebe Brooks Gordon Speed and his wife Bowtie and Belles Co-chair Kim Speed flank Junior Friend's Chair Jane Spence and her husband Jason Spence.

Together these veteran do-gooding ladies of the Junior Friends and their hard-working committee helped to surpass the $40,000 fundraising goal before the event was even held.
 
The spectacular afternoon soiree included a raffle, silent auction, cocktail reception, including the official Derby cocktail the Mint Julep and a viewing of the actual Kentucky Derby on a jumbotron projector.
 
Guests munched on traditional fare, drank cold mint juleps and bet on their favorite horse, all while festooned in traditional Derby attire and of course while wearing a favorite hat or bowtie.
 
Yes, the annual party was all about Wagers & Winnings, Juleps and Jockeys, Food & Fun and of course most importantly, about raising serious money for the Campagna Center.
 
For many years, The Campagna Center has been fortunate to have its fundraising efforts supported by the Junior Friends, a group of committed supporters dedicated to enhancing The Center’s capacity to advance its mission.
 
In the past, Bowties and Belles has been a more intimate get together for supporters of the Campagna Center.
 
This year the Junior Friends brought this exciting event to the Alexandria community on a much larger scale. Editors of The Washington Post's "Going Out Guide" also took notice and declared the Bowties & Belles party as one of the area's Best Bets and a terrific locale to view the Derby.

Photo by Allison Priebe Brooks Junior Friends Laura Niswander and Meg Jewett sold tickets for the raffle with the help of Meg's baby girl.

Proceeds from Bowties and Belles go towards supporting the important programs offered to our community by the Campagna Center.
 
For nearly 70 years, Campagna has been devoted to fostering a positive environment for Alexandria’s children and families, especially those living in difficult economic circumstances.

Dressed in seersucker, bow ties, florals, fascinators and other glorious hattery, guest placed bets on their picks for the winning horse...which was none other than a horse named  "I'll Have Another"!
 
Our bet continues to be on the Campagna Center and the wonderful programs they help support in Alexandria.
 
Buzz Buzz

Photo by Allison Priebe Brooks Never has leadership looked so good! Anne Culbert, Lee Sanders, Laura Fortsch, Bridget Weaver and Co-chair Patti Rouzie - looking marvelous for Bowties and Belles.

Photo by Allison Priebe Brooks Junior Friends with Anne Culbert, Laura Niswander, Tracy Scorce, and Meg Jewett helped raise tens of thousands at Alexandria's hottest Derby Party.

Photo by Allison Priebe Brooks Picture Perfect! Junior Friends former Chair and new Chairwoman Jen Peterson, so pretty in pink!

Photo by Allison Priebe Brooks Campagna Center CEO Dr Tammy Mann, Anne Culbert, Patti Rouzie, Andrea Hageman and WUSA's Anita Brinkman celebrated a glorious afternoon at the annual Derby Bash, helping to raise $50,000 for the Alexandria's children.