“Saratoga Sponsor-a-Scholar Derby Day Party 2025”

Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar’s Derby Day 2025 Was a Win—And Not Just at the Races!

Words and Photography by Penny Piper.

Derby Day 2025 was the place to be this past Saturday as Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar (SSAS) threw their annual fundraiser at The Lodge at Saratoga Casino Hotel—and wow, did they deliver! Dressed to the nines in fabulous hats and festive spring fashion, guests came ready to party, place bets, and most importantly, support an incredible cause.

The venue was alive with energy as people gathered to sip, dine, and cheer on their picks for the Kentucky Derby. With a four-hour open bar (yes, four), delicious food, and the Derby streaming on giant screens, it felt like we were right at Churchill Downs—minus the travel. A racetrack bugler added the perfect touch of tradition, and Raven Events kept the party flowing all afternoon with the perfect playlist, seamless transitions, and exactly the right vibes to keep everyone in the Derby Day spirit.

But beyond the mint juleps and fancy fascinators, the real win was raising money for SSAS, a program that helps hard-working Saratoga Springs High School students get into—and graduate from—college. These are the kids who just need a little extra support to reach big dreams, and thanks to events like this, SSAS keeps delivering results: a 100% college acceptance rate and over 90% of scholars earning their degrees. That’s what we call a photo finish.

Huge shoutout to everyone who showed up, donated, or cheered from afar. If you missed it, don’t worry—there’s always next year. But seriously, you’ll want to get in on the fun (and the good feels) in 2026.

To learn more, donate, or see photos from the event, visit saratogasponsorascholar.org or follow SSAS on Instagram and Facebook.