As the circumstances surrounding COVID-19 develop each day, society at large has had to adjust along the way to accommodate the recommendations on how to remain healthy and wise in spite of current events. These recommendations are not only applicable to the coming weeks, but months ahead. Not only does this affect individuals and businesses, but events such as the Kentucky Derby as well. On March 19, 2020, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission announced that their annual event was to be rescheduled from May 2, 2020 to September 5, 2020.

In light of this announcement, Camp Fire Sunshine had to determine if they would be able to accommodate this major development in order to still host their annual fundraising event, the Kentucky Derby Party. Following the Kentucky Horse Racing Commissions announcement, the Camp Fire Sunshine Executive Committee determined that our event would also be rescheduled to September 5. It will still be held at it’s originally intended venue – Lone Palm Golf Club in Lakeland, FL.

It goes without saying that no one could have ever predicted our current reality. As Camp Fire Sunshine has had to decide to cancel their normally scheduled programs in order to protect the well-being of the youth and families they serve, they face the threat of a funding gap formed by the lack of income from these programs in addition to the Kentucky Derby Party. Looking ahead, the possibility of summer programs and events being affected as well must also be considered.

Camp Fire Sunshine is asking their friends, supporters, and families to please help navigate through this time of uncertainty. In response to the rescheduling of the Kentucky Derby Party, Camp Fire Sunshine Executive Director Lynn Anne Castleberry had this to say:

“We appreciate the support of our sponsors and participants and trust that each of them will join us on the new date in September. The Camp Fire Board of Directors, our Kentucky Derby Party planning committee, and dedicated staff are working hard to host the same amazing event that our patrons have come to love.”

With the support of the annual Kentucky Derby Party, and other efforts, Camp Fire Sunshine is able to touch the lives of over 1,100 youth each year. Camp Fire intends to thrive in spite of our current hardships.

Camp Fire will be contacting current sponsors and attendees with more information. For the latest updates on the Kentucky Derby Party, please visit: www.campfirederby.com. For more information about Camp Fire Sunshine please visit www.campfiresunshine.org, reach out to Lynn Anne at lynnannec@campfire-sunshine.org, or call (863) 688-5491.