Kentucky Derby Gala
Category: Event Calendar
Date and Time
- Saturday, May 2, 2026 5:30pm - 10pm
Location
The Westmoreland Club is a private social club with a rich heritage and a progressive future. Since 1873, the Westmoreland Club has long reflected and embodied the warm, inviting character of Northeastern Pennsylvania, making it an exceptional place that members can proudly call a home away from home. The Westmoreland Club is recognized as a Platinum Club of America, Platinum Club of the World, Distinguished Club of the World and has earned Elite Status through Distinguished Clubs Special Designations.
Details
The Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA will host its Sixth Annual Kentucky Derby Gala at the Westmoreland Club on Saturday, May 2 (5:30 – 10 PM) with the support of presenting sponsor, Discover NEPA, powered by Mericle.
Proceeds from the event supports families in the YMCA’s Early Learning Center Programs, which includes seven locations with capacity to serve more than 1,000 children. The 2025 event raised over $132,000 to support child care in Luzerne County.
Guests will be greeted by Sawyer, a paint quarter horse and his trainer Sylvia for photos. Once inside, patrons will enjoy outstanding cocktails and hors d’oeuvres (5:30 – 7 p.m.) served by the Westmoreland Club. The 152nd Running of the Roses will be shown live on a large screen TV, provided by JP Lilley, at 6:30 PM while a DJ will entertain guests on the dance floor.
Rose displays by Floral Designs will brighten the party tent while a hat contest will take place between several pre-recorded horse races featuring live caller, Jim Beviglia from Pocono Downs. Attendees can wager and win on six races throughout the evening with all proceeds benefitting the YMCA’s Early Learning Center.
For those unable to attend but still wishing to support this worthy cause, an online silent auction will be held April 30 to May 4.
The $175 tickets include a generous donation to deserving children in the community, drinks and dinner. The grand prize raffle of a dream vacation of the winner's choice, sponsored by Sundance Vacations, will be awarded to cap the evening.
Supporters of the Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA can support the event in many ways – through attending the dinner, purchasing raffle tickets, bidding in the online silent auction or wagering on the horse races.
