As we’re looking forward to Knox Derby Day 2023, we wanted to get some photos out and recap last year’s Derby Day. Each year we select some beneficiaries for Knox Derby Day. In 2022, those beneficiaries were Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding (STAR), East Tennessee Children’s Hospital Volunteer Services, and The Dream Connection. From this event, we were able to disburse $20,000 between the 3 beneficiaries. We are hoping that this will be an even bigger event in 2023 and we will have more information and invitations out for this event very soon!
2022 Benefit Ride
2022 Knox Derby Day Check Presentations
Following our most successful Knox Derby Day yet, we were able to present 3 checks to very deserving local establishments that are making a difference in children’s lives.
The first check was presented to Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding (STAR) for $8,000. Then we presented a check to East Tennessee Children’s Hospital Volunteer Services for $8,000. And the finally, we were able to present a third check to The Dream Connection for another $4,000. The brought our funds raised and dispersed for this event to an even $20,000!! Thank you for everyone who participated in making this event a great success!
2022 Derby Day Grant Application
It’s hard to believe but this year will be our third annual Knox Derby Day. For this annual event, we will direct funds for up to 5 worthy causes. We have partnered with Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding (STAR) to be a cornerstone charity of this event. Our committee has also decided that each year we will allow applications to be submitted and we will select up to four additional charities for this event to support.
The first two events have combined to net over $15,000 and we look to continue to grow the event further this year with a renewed drive and focus.
The application process is open to any East Tennessee based 501.3(c) charities that have missions that align with Checkerboard Children’s Charities’ Mission and have an annual operating budget of less than $500,000. We are focused on addressing the fundamental needs of at-risk children if four key areas.
- Health and Wellness
- Housing and Shelter
- Food and Nutrition
- Clothing and Necessities
The deadline for us to receive this application is March 31, 2022. Please complete the application web form here.
Derby Day Check Presentations
Following a very successful inaugural 2018 Knox Derby Day, we were able to present 3 checks to very deserving local establishments that are making a difference in children’s lives.
The first check was presented to Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding (STAR) for $5,400. Then we presented a check to Knoxville Inner City Kids Outreach (KICKO) for $1,150. Finally, the last check was presented to East Tennessee Children’s Hospital’s Department of Pain and Palliative Care for $5,150. This means our inaugural event was able to raise a grand total of $11,700 to directly impact children’s based causes in East Tennessee. Thank you for everyone who participated in making this event a great success!