The Derby Classic May 5, 2012
Hilton Minneapolis
1001 Marquette Avenue South

On Your Mark, Get Set, Go!

Support Blake's Triple Crown - Access • Community • Excellence
Access to Blake - specifically financial access, for students and families who share the School's core values,
Community - help celebrate the relationships and connections at Blake, and
Excellence - ensure excellence in education, a hallmark of Blake's mission.

The Derby Classic Online Auction
April 27, 12 noon - May 4, 10:00 pm
Open for bidding
Be sure to check out the fabulous variety of items available this year on our auction website at http://blakederbyclassic.maestroweb.com. From gift cards to wine, from Classroom Creations to Great Gatherings, there is something for everyone and every budget.

The Starting Gate - Plans & Preparations
We are off to the races planning for The Blake School’s biennial all-school fundraiser -- the Derby Classic -- scheduled for Saturday, May 5, 2012, at the downtown Hilton Minneapolis Hotel.

Learn more about the details and RSVP for the evening event here.

The “Race” - The Derby Classic
The Classic is a wonderful opportunity for parents, alumni, faculty and staff to come together for an evening of camaraderie, dining, entertainment and a not-to-be-missed live auction. Other highlights include BlakeStakes raffle, Fund-A-Need giving opportunity and a silent auction held online prior to May 5. New this year: Consider supporting the Classic with a tribute "tweet." Congratulate your graduating senior, thank John Gulla and/or welcome Anne Stavney in 140 characters or less!

The Winner’s Circle – The Entire Blake Community

Blake’s Programs, Initiatives & Facilities: Proceeds from the Classic help fund many important needs in Blake’s academic, athletic and arts programs, which further enhance the educational experience for all children at Blake. Previous Classics have supported technology purchases for the classrooms, playground equipment, teacher development, renovation of the Middle School reception area, construction of the Black Box Theater and Spirit Rock Plaza outside of the Gordy Aamoth Jr. Memorial Stadium.

The Parent Association: The Classic also helps fund the great work of our very active Parent Association, which advances the mission and core values of our School through a wide variety of volunteer activities and events such as grade/room representatives, after-school programs, faculty/staff appreciation, grade/campus parties (Bingo Night, Pumpkin Party, Skating Party, dances, concert/play receptions, closing/ graduation parties, Parent Parties), family/service learning, LiteracyFest, Magazine Drive and our biennial all-school Celebration of Community.

Fund-A-Need: There will also be an opportunity to support Fund-A-Need during the Classic. Financial aid at Blake provides many students the financial means to attend our school. However, there are numerous extra expenses still needed for academic support, the arts, sports and other extra-curricular activities that our children participate in and benefit from. Fund-A-Need bridges that gap. Previous uses of Classic Fund-A-Need dollars include tutoring, AP exam fees, prom tickets, after-school enrichment activities, Extended Day and Blake Summer Programs.

Hats Offs to Our Benefactors – You! Funds raised through the Classic will come from live and silent auction proceeds, event tickets sales, generous donors and underwriters, BlakeStakes ticket sales, Win-Place-Show Raffle and advertising revenue.

Consider Making it a Get-Away Weekend
The Hilton Minneapolis is offering Derby Classic attendees an exceptional deal for those who want to spend the night and make it a get-away weekend. Make reservations by calling 1-888-933-5363, 1-800-HILTONS or 612-376-1000, visiting Hilton Minneapolis or the Blake personal online group (POG). Reference The Blake School Fundraiser or group code BSF to get special room rate. First come, first serve. Cut-off date: April 5, 2012. (Extensions based upon availability.)

We Need You
The Derby Classic could not be possible without the wonderful parent volunteers at The Blake School. Would you like to help put this fantastic event together? Check out volunter job list or send an email to volunteering@blakeschool.org and let us know your interests and availability, and we will find a place for you!

Thank you so much in advance for your support!
Susan Hitchner Fluke & Lisa Rotenberg
The Derby Classic Co-Chairs 2012
Derby Classic Steering Committee

And, in the words of our fearless leader John Gulla, “Giddyup!”

Thank you Derby Classic gold level sponsors:

Countdown to Derby Classic