Tri-Charity Derby Gala Unites Unique Paths to Healing
Three prominent New Jersey nonprofit organizations have forged an unprecedented alliance to host a Kentucky Derby-themed fundraiser that promises to revolutionize cross-organizational collaboration in community service. The inaugural “Beyond the Finish Line” Benefit Gala, set for Saturday, May 3rd at Hope’s Haven Ranch in Allentown, will unite the diverse but complementary missions of mental health services, educational empowerment, and equine therapy under one fundraising umbrella.
“This event represents a paradigm shift in how nonprofit organizations can work together to address interconnected community challenges,” said Dr. Elena Rivera, executive director of Bright Harbor Healthcare. “Rather than competing for limited resources, we’re combining our expertise to create a more holistic approach to healing and empowerment,” she told NJ Breaking News.
Unique Partnership Addresses Complex Needs
The collaboration brings together Bright Harbor Healthcare, which provides comprehensive behavioral health and recovery services throughout Ocean County; WAGE Women and Girls Education International, focused on creating educational opportunities locally and globally; and Hope in Her Eyes Equine Facilitated Wellness, which utilizes therapeutic horse interactions to address trauma and mental health concerns.
“We’ve discovered that our services often support the same individuals at different points in their healing journey,” explained Maria Thompson, founder of WAGE. “A woman might begin with mental health services through Bright Harbor, gain confidence and skills through our educational programs, and then experience profound healing through equine therapy. This gala celebrates those interconnected pathways to wellness.”
The choice of venue at Hope’s Haven Ranch, where Hope in Her Eyes operates its equine therapy programs, provides attendees with direct exposure to the therapeutic environment. Guests will have opportunities to learn about equine-assisted mental health services while enjoying the rustic elegance of the 15-acre facility.
Derby-Inspired Atmosphere With Purpose
The May 3rd event deliberately coincides with Kentucky Derby weekend, encouraging attendees to embrace Derby traditions with a practical twist. “We’re asking guests to wear their Derby finery – elaborate hats and bow ties – but swap traditional heels for boots or flats since we’ll be touring parts of the ranch,” said Jennifer Keyes, program director at Hope in Her Eyes.
The evening’s highlights include a cocktail reception beginning at 4 p.m., followed by dinner, live music, and interactive demonstrations of equine therapy techniques. A silent auction will feature unique experiences, including private equine therapy sessions, educational mentoring packages, and mental health wellness retreats combining services from all three organizations.
The “Bonnet & Bow Tie Competition” will add a lighthearted element while reinforcing the event’s theme. Judges will award prizes for most creative, most elegant, and most humorous Derby attire in both hat and bow tie categories.
Model for Future Collaborations
County officials have taken notice of the innovative partnership, with Ocean County Commissioner Sarah Mathews praising the approach. “This collaboration creates efficiencies in fundraising while demonstrating how organizations with different specialties can create a more comprehensive support system for vulnerable populations,” she noted. “We’re watching this model closely as a potential template for future county-supported initiatives.”
The organizers hope to raise awareness and donations, with proceeds divided equally among the three organizations. Funds will support expansion of Bright Harbor’s youth mental health services, WAGE’s scholarship program for first-generation college students, and Hope in Her Eyes’ subsidized therapy sessions for low-income clients.
“Many of our clients face complex challenges that no single organization can fully address,” said Dr. Rivera. “This partnership acknowledges that reality and responds with a more integrated approach to healing and empowerment that we believe will ultimately benefit the entire community.”
Tickets for the “Beyond the Finish Line” Benefit Gala are available through each organization’s website, with early bird pricing ending April 15th. Sponsorship opportunities remain available for businesses seeking to support this pioneering collaborative model in community service.
