Photos: Third Annual Down & Derby Rallies for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Despite Rain | Milton News

MILTON, Ga – A sudden downpour couldn’t dampen the generosity or spirit of the more than 500 sharply dressed guests who gathered Saturday night, May 3, at Chukkar Farms for the third annual Down & Derby fundraiser, benefiting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA).

Despite stormy skies and last-minute cancellations, the event aimed to raise over $300,000 for CHOA’s therapeutic play space, The Zone—a crucial sanctuary for hospitalized children.

“The Zone is a therapeutic play space located at CHOA’s Scottish Rite and Arthur M. Blank hospitals,” said Zoe Decker of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s annual events team. “It’s really just a place where kids can be kids—play Xbox, hang out, shoot basketball, even play golf outside. It’s a special place for our patients and families.”

Attendees arrived at the scenic Alpharetta venue in Southern finery reminiscent of the Kentucky Derby: floral dresses, wide-brimmed hats, seersucker suits, and pocket squares. 

As guests passed through the registration barn around 5:30 p.m., they were greeted by the soft strum of acoustic guitarist Rocco Gorelik and the gentle bray of a wreath-wearing donkey posing for photos.

The polo demonstration planned for the expansive green field had to be canceled due to incoming weather. But guests remained upbeat, circulating among cocktail bars, clubhouses, and auction tents.

“We are delighted to welcome you to the third annual Down and Derby,” co-chairs Ashley Edmonds and Kim Ritter said in their welcome speech. “Together we have all created an event that will make a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of children—supporting The Zone. Giving them the opportunity to express joy through play, creativity, and healing.”

That healing was deeply personal for Sarah Bowman, a young CHOA patient who was slated to give a testimonial about her recent experience at the hospital before rain forced a program change.

“I was a CHOA patient just a few months ago when I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes,” Sarah shared in an earlier interview. “They always put the patient first—genuinely. I was also recently diagnosed with Celiac disease, which is often linked to type 1 diabetes. When my doctor called with the results, he was running late for a meeting but stayed on the phone with me anyway to talk through everything. He knew I was already having a rough day and wanted to make sure all my questions were answered.”

She continued, “They guided me through the whole process, like teaching me how to give myself injections. They never rushed to move on to the next patient. They took the time to sit down and explain everything—even though they didn’t have to. It was truly above and beyond. I’m doing a lot better now. It was a wild ride at first, but I’m starting to settle into it and learning everything I need to know. I’m feeling more comfortable with it.”

Just before 7 p.m., a young trumpeter sounded the Call to Post, summoning guests to the central courtyard where a large screen broadcast the Kentucky Derby. The race was briefly interrupted when the screen cut out, prompting a collective  groan from the crowd. It flickered back on to laughs and cheers with enough time to see Sovereignty, ridden by jockey Junior Alvarado, take the win.

Danielle Fernandez, an artist, had one of her paintings featured in the auction—a vibrant portrayal of a past Derby-winning horse.

“The painting is called White Winning Colors. It is up for the live auction tonight. The story behind it is that it is based on a filly—one of only three to have won the Kentucky Derby. The name of the horse was Winning Colors.”

The night’s most dramatic scene came at 8 p.m. as the rain began to fall—and quickly turned into a deluge. With guests retreating to covered verandas and tents, the live auction surged on. A soaked auctioneer, unfazed in a torrential downpour, launched into his patter with theatrical flair from the courtyard, his voice ringing through the farm.

It was a moment that captured the spirit of the evening: unbothered by the weather, unified in purpose.

“So I am a huge supporter Children’s Healthcare,” said guest Amber Kuhn. “Anything children related, we’re big advocates of—we’ve got three daughters of our own. I don’t think [the rain] matters. At the end of the day, we’re here for the cause.”

That cause is deeply personal for many. Sponsor Nathan Powell, managing partner at the Powell Firm, said his youngest son was born in 2024 with myopliasia and has undergone several surgeries at CHOA.

“They’ve taken such great care of us, like we could not believe,” Powell said. “They have just been angels.”

Though scheduled programming like Sarah Bowman’s live remarks had to be canceled, the night rolled on with dancing in the pavilion to upbeat music by local band Color the Night. Spirits remained high. As guests waited for valet at the end of the evening, servers passed out McDonald’s cheeseburgers on silver platters—a playful contrast between upscale and commonplace indulgences.

Even as dark clouds loomed and rain flooded the polo field, the evening left no doubt: the Milton community remains steadfast in its commitment to Atlanta’s youngest patients.