UNA- Derby Day, hosted by UNA President William Kale, Jr.. is an inaugural fundraising event at the University of North Alabama. The soiree was held this past Saturday at the Guillot University Center. The Kentucky Derby-themed event is used to raise money to benefit the UNA Foundation in support of the welfare and future development of the University of North Alabama’s institutional goals.
There were lots of activities and plenty of entertainment that the patrons enjoyed. Party-goers had the chance to watch Derby races throughout the day on large flat screen television sets that were designated for the viewing of the Kentucky Derby.
The patrons also had the chance to take place in a hat contest, games, a photo tent complete with a red carpet, live music and much more. In addition, patrons were able to purchase “Derby Dollars” and use them to vote for their favorite “Hat” contestant, pay for photos at the event and choose their horse in the main event, all with the opportunity to win a wide array of prizes donated by many of our generous sponsors.
The hat contest is an annual activity at UNA Derby Day. The ladies were invited to participate in the hat contest as they arrived at the Derby Party. Each of the participants were given a lanyard with a number that corresponded with their registration number and were asked to collect votes via “Derby Dollars” from other guests as the afternoon went on. At 4:15 the contestants gathered on “The Track” and guest tables to collect final votes.
Guests were encouraged to wear Kentucky-Derby- style clothing. The men’s wear could include anything from khakis to a seersucker suit, but Women dressed comfortably and were encouraged to wear a derby style hat.
