Guests celebrate the Kentucky Derby with SMART horses

SMART held its 5th annual Mint Juleps & Roses May 5 at SMART.

  • By Kayleigh Omang
  • | 9:09 p.m. May 5, 2018
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What better way to celebrate the Kentucky Derby than at a horse farm?

The Sarasota Manatee Association of Riding Therapy, SMART, hosted its fifth annual Mint Juleps & Roses May 5 at the SMART stables. Guests mingled on the grounds of the stables during cocktail hour, chatting with SMART champions, sipping juleps and petting the horses. 

After that, guests watched the race and two lucky winners received awards for Ladies' Best Hat and Men's Best Tie. 

Dinner followed, with an appropriately themed menu, featuring items such as "front runner salad" and "finish line shortribs."

Executive Director Brandi Ezell and Chairwoman Melissa Spillenkothen
Executive Director Brandi Ezell and Chairwoman Melissa Spillenkothen
Roses adorned each of the tables.
Roses adorned each of the tables.
Silent auction baskets were available for bids throughout cocktail hour.
Silent auction baskets were available for bids throughout cocktail hour.
Roses decorated the grounds of SMART.
Roses decorated the grounds of SMART.
Martine Moscovita has a moment with Sterling.
Martine Moscovita has a moment with Sterling.
Joseph Woolbert pets Buddy.
Joseph Woolbert pets Buddy.
Reese Gurski and Arlene Raterman
Reese Gurski and Arlene Raterman
Sarah and Clayton Robertson with Barb and Bob Lombardo
Sarah and Clayton Robertson with Barb and Bob Lombardo
Buddy poses for a photo.
Buddy poses for a photo.
Jaiden pets Paint horse Buddy Cassidy.
Jaiden pets Paint horse Buddy Cassidy.
Michael Salmon and Marcia Carlson Pack
Michael Salmon and Marcia Carlson Pack
Mint juleps were served throughout cocktail hour.
Mint juleps were served throughout cocktail hour.
Don and Susan Sigrist
Don and Susan Sigrist
Ann and Hank Sledz
Ann and Hank Sledz
Gracie says hi and poses for a photo.
Gracie says hi and poses for a photo.
Donna Hoefer brought carrots to feed the horses.
Donna Hoefer brought carrots to feed the horses.
Robert Shankle, Amber Hall, Vincent Manzo, Sterling and Jennifer and Chris McDaniel
Robert Shankle, Amber Hall, Vincent Manzo, Sterling and Jennifer and Chris McDaniel
Each guest was given a cookie at their table in the shape of a hat, horse and other derby icons.
Each guest was given a cookie at their table in the shape of a hat, horse and other derby icons.

 

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