The Brownwood Community Library held its third annual Kentucky Derby Party on Saturday, May 3.  This event is a fundraiser for the Library, which does receive some funding from the Cities of Brownwood and Early, and the County of Brown, but must raise the majority of its revenues.

This year the Kentucky Derby Party moved to the new Brownwood Event Center, which proved to be an ideal facility.  A good crowd of over 200 persons attended, all dressed up in Southern springtime attire.  The crowd enjoyed jazz music from the Jim Bode Quintet, a Southern dinner featuring ham, fried chicken, and pecan pie, provided by Sodexo Food Service, and drinks furnished by The Turtle Restaurant.

Patrons bid on a large number of items in a silent auction and a live auction, Rex Tackett serving as the Auctioneer.  The auction items were donated by dozens of local businesses and individuals.  The item receiving the top bid was a cute 8-week old puppy!

Awards for Best Bow Tie went to Joe Stieber, and Best Hat to Jenny Waldrop.

And the evening culminated with a live viewing of the Kentucky Derby horse race.

Co-Chairs of this year’s Kentucky Derby Party were Krisha and Chad Sauceda.

Advisory Co-Chairs were Otis and Carmaleta Felton.  Honorary Chairs were Suzanne and Calvin Fryar.

Board President of the Brownwood Community Library is Mike Rodgers.  Library Director Becky Isbell commented:  “I want to thank everybody for attending.  All of our volunteers, Board members, and staff helped create a fantastic event.  This is our third year for this fundraiser, and the new Brownwood Event Center really brought the event into its own, with top-quality audio and video service.  Also I want to thank all of the donors and sponsors.  We could not have this event without their support.”

The Sponsors included:  Ann Jones Real Estate; Andy’s Pest Troopers; ASAP Creative Arts; Citizens National Bank; Ethos Pet Brands; Edward Jones Investing; Heartland Chiropractic; Hendrick Health; The Hideout Golf Club and Resort; P F & E Oil Co.; Roberson Rent-All; TexasBank; Waldrop Construction; Walmart; Wendlee Broadcasting; and Western Bank.

Underwriters included, Winner’s Circle Platinum: Sally and Robert Porter, Walmart; VIP Select Gold: Ann Jones Real Estate, Edward Jones Investments, Ethos Pet Brands, P F & E Oil Co., Western Bank, Michele and Dr. Eric Wiley;  Patron: Andy’s Pest Troopers, The Hideout Golf Club and Resort, Citizens National Bank, Carmaleta and Otis Felton, Hendrick Health, Sandi and Dr. Stephen Kelly, Jane and Mike Rodgers, Dr. Amber and Shawn Shugrue, Texas Bank, Waldrop Construction, Heartland Chiropractic.

Dozens of businesses and individuals made monetary and merchandise donations.