FLORENCE – American Pharoah was the victor, but the spoils of the Kentucky Derby went to the University of North Alabama. The annual event hosted by UNA saw close to 450 people in attendance for the Kentucky Derby-themed fundraising extravaganza, which benefits the UNA Foundation.
The event, which took place on the lawn of Coby Hall, is a posh, high-spirited community party where Derby fans – donned in festive, oversized hats, bright colors, bow ties, seersucker suits and traditional Old South attire – can gather in a social setting to share the excitement of the “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports,” and its cultural connection to the Shoals. As mentioned, the 450 guests who attended was a record number, as was the amount of money raised, which totaled more than $100,000 for the UNA Foundation’s ongoing mission to support the institutional goals of the university.
“Dena and I thoroughly enjoyed our first Derby Day at UNA. We can see why this has 
become one of the University’s most anticipated events during the year. The attendance was terrific, and we thank all those who joined in the festivities,” said Dr. Ken Kitts, UNA President. Kitts and his wife Dena hosted the event for the first time as the president and first lady of the university.
This year’s event was co-chaired by UNA alums Stephanie Coleman and Alisha Haataja, with additional help from an army of volunteers and the UNA Foundation staff. Volunteers and employees worked throughout the year to increase the number of sponsors and to find prizes and silent auction items that participants could bid on. Some of the highlights from this year’s silent auction included Robin Wade furniture, original paintings, African safaris, a trip to New York Fashion Week and much more.
“What a wonderful day. UNA is blessed to have so many great friends and I think it’s safe to say that UNA Derby Day 2015 was a memorable photo finish!” noted Dr. Dan Hendricks, UNA’s vice president for advancement and executive director of the UNA Foundation.
This year’s signature sponsor was the Coby Cares Foundation, headed up by David and Jay Brubaker. UNA’s Coby Hall is named for David’s former wife and Jay’s mother, Coby Stockard Brubaker, who passed away from cancer in 1987. Jay and his fiancée, Michelle Ontanon, have announced that they will be the signature sponsor for the 4th annual UNA Derby Day in 2016.
The 2015 Derby Day Gallery of pictures provided courtesy of photographers Shannon Wells, Jessica Pajaron and Skip Martin of UNA:
MEDIA RELEASE/UNA/Bryan Rachal, University Communications
