The Northwest Indiana Cancer Kids Foundation is throwing their annual awareness weekend with a Kentucky Derby gala at Villa Cesare in Schererville on Saturday, Sept. 8. The weekend will wrap up with a Kentucky Derby Family Festival at Redar Park in Schererville on Sunday, Sept. 9.
A derby gala ticket is $75 and allows guests to enjoy dinner, drinks, great entertainment, auctions and more from 6 p.m. until midnight.
The family festival invites the community to enjoy activities such as stick-horse racing, an awareness walk, food, auctions, face painting and more from 2 until 6 p.m. Guests who wish to participate in the stick-horse racing competition are asked to come ready with their own stick-horse.
All proceeds of the weekend’s events will assist the NICK Foundation in their mission to help local kids battling cancer.
“September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, so this weekend is all about awareness,” said Nicole Yarrow, director of services at the NICK Foundation. “We want the community to know how they can be a voice for our families. Very little funding goes towards pediatric cancer research, but with the support of friends, neighbors and coworkers, our families are given hope.”
Companies can take advantage of a range of sponsorship packages that include tickets to the Kentucky Derby gala, t-shirts, social media advertising and more.
Amanda Knight, a volunteer for many NICK Foundation events, had the opportunity to participate in last year’s event.
“Tears filled my eyes as I took part in my first walk at the NICK Foundation’s family festival last year,” said Knight. “It was such a sweet moment to walk hand in hand with my parents and celebrate those we support and those we have lost.”
To become a sponsor, volunteer or receive more information about this year’s awareness weekend visit nwicancerkids.org. Since 2009, the NICK Foundation has provided hope and support for anyone affected by pediatric cancer in Northwest Indiana and the surrounding areas.