Down & Derby, which has been ranked one of the top 5 best Derby parties in the U.S. by Matador Network, was featured in Forbes Magazine.

Laura Ladd

My name is Laura Ladd and on Saturday, May 6th, 2023, I am hosting Down & Derby, a Kentucky Derby themed event to raise funds for Love Life Now Foundation, a New England based organization, dedicated to promoting awareness and prevention against domestic violence through their initiatives.

A number of years ago I was a juror in a first degree murder case that involved domestic violence. The case left me heartbroken and wondering about the victim and the challenges she faced after leaving that abusive relationship. I decided to take action supporting women who struggle to connect with resources that allow them to move beyond crisis.

Down & Derby will be held at Ned Devine's with over 400 professionals from Greater Boston in attendance. The event is sophisticated, yet fun, to reflect the traditional sporting event’s stature, and the message is to support survivors of domestic violence right here in Boston. I hope you will join us for a memorable day to support this all-important cause!

Gustavo Leon

Fashion! Style! Creativity! Not only are these some of the best parts about Derby Day, they are also at the essence of our esteemed Emcee, Gustavo Leon.

Gustavo is no stranger to the runway, having emceed and judged both beauty pageants and fashion shows in the New England area for many years.

Leon has also modeled for design houses and he was awarded a proclamation by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for his achievements at the Boston Heraldand his contributions to the fashion/lifestyle community.

Gustavo also received the BIFI Boston Fashion Icon Award of 2017; the Fashion Achievement Award at the 2017 Boston Fashion Awards and the Stylist of the Year Award at both the 2019 and 2021 Boston Fashion Awards.

Coleen Galvin Yaroshenko

Coleen Galvin Yaroshenko is owner of and lead designer for CoKo Couture . A Rhode Island Native, she attended Rhode Island School of Design and then went on to Massachusetts College of Art and Design to earn a BFA in Fashion Design. Coleen is also an accomplished Stand Up Comedian/Actor with appearances on Comedy Central and Body of Proof as well as in several television commercials. Between these two worlds, she has been able dedicate many hours supporting charities over the years , both national and local. These include The Special Olympics , The American Cancer Association, St. Jude’s Hospital, The American heart Association, The Gloria Gemma Foundation , The Global Autism Project, Sojourner House, the ASPCA , AIDS Care Ocean State and Love Life Now. dedicate many hours supporting charities over the years , both national and local. These include The Special Olympics , The American Cancer Association, St. Jude’s Hospital, The American heart Association, The Gloria Gemma Foundation , The Global Autism Project, Sojourner House, the ASPCA , AIDS Care Ocean State and Love Life Now.

Katrina Kincade

Kincade is the first Muslim woman to be named Miss Massachusetts

Kincade won the title following the two-day Miss Massachusetts competition at the Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts in Worcester.

Kincade will now go on to compete for the Miss America title.

Kincade most recently worked as a news anchor for WWLP in Springfield, where she spent nearly three years before moving to WBZ News in Boston in April of last year.

Rocky Graziano

Former Executive Director at Miss Boston and Development Rockstar. Rocky Graziano has been involved in pageants for over twenty years. He has held numerous state, regional and national titles on top of placing in the top 3 in every National Pageant System he has ever competed with. He has also appeared on MTV'S Made as a pageant coach.
We are ecstatic to welcome this dynamic and innovative legend to our panel of judges this year!

Jennifer L. Kinsman

Mrs. Kinsman is the owner of JLK Designs and a premier Jewlery Designer. She caters to high-net-worth individuals right here in Boston as well as in Nantucket & Palm Beach. Jennifer was born and raised in Winchester, Massachusetts. Growing up she was a natural athlete with a background in ballet, competitive tennis and also competed in the U.S.A. Ski Team.

Our stylish and charismatic judge has a love of travel, hats and spreads joy wherever she goes!

Red Carpet

Guests will be welcome in style with a red carpet, step & repeat photo opp, and live entertainment

Miss Gay Boston

You will be greeted on the red carpet and interviewed by the fabulous “Miss Gay Boston”! Be sure to be ready to answer her signature question - who are you wearing?

Louie Bello

Louie Bello (born December 30) is an American Boston-born singer and songwriter. He is also the former Sony ATV writer`{`citation needed`}` and Boston award winner who can be seen on venues around the country from Boston to Texas. He has written and performed with dozens of National Recording Artists and he is the writer and performer of the title song for the ESPN documentary, PUSH. He has performed in local and national music festivals, such as Boston Fest Red Gorilla Festival, SXSW, Phantom Gourmet's Summer BBQ. His songs are placed on major networks such as VH1-The Kardashians, ABC-Lincoln Heights.

Sean Rivers

Sean Rivers is an independent recording artist, known for his musical contributions to the New England music industry. He began his career in musical theater, performing in productions such as Rent and his role as Judas in Godspell. He later picked up a guitar and has since played in over a hundred shows each year, releasing his first solo album, Among The Living, in 2022. In addition to his music career, he holds a Doctorate in Educational Psychology and works with inner-city youth in Hartford, CT. He is a mainstay singer and entertainer in the Newport music scene and has been invited to perform as a special musical guest at various events.

Sam Dimitrius

Boston’s talented Sam Dimitrius is one of Faneuil Hall’s known street-performers and songwriters. Inspired by artists like John Mayer, Noah Kahan, Ed Sheeran and Vance Joy, Dimitrius combines themes of love and heartbreak with moving instrumentals. Dimitrius, now twenty-two, has been singing his heart out in local down towns since high school. Watching Dimitrius build a song on his loop pedal (Ed Sheeran style) by layering drum sounds and lead lines brings a fascinating dynamic to his live shows. Although his music isn’t religious, his story telling and songwriting reflects what God has done in his life and the people around him. Dimitrius has released two Eps since 2020 and is currently writing, recording, and producing his next batch of music.

50/50 Mock Bet

Bet on your horse, and you could win 50% of the pot!
How it works:
Purchase raffle tickets
Place them in the mason jar that represents the horse you think will win. (Hint: you can place tickets in all jars to increase your chances of winning!)
We will pick the winning ticket from the jar of the Kentucky Derby winning horse.
Love Life Now Foundation, Inc. will receive 50% of the total bets, and you will walk away with the rest!

Trumpet Performance by Sara Manning - Harvard University Band

Where The Excitement Begins!

Derby Games

All types of fun games to keep you entertained

VIP Experience

Includes official Kentucky Derby swag & photo opportunities with Woodford Reserve.

*Complimentary Bourbon Tasting from 3:00 PM-4:00 PM.

*Only available to VIP guests

Celebrity Guest: Miss Massachusetts, USA 2023

Annika Sharma, Miss Massachusetts USA 2023, is a resident of Boston. She is proudly the first Indian American contestant to win the title and looks forward to celebrating diversity throughout her year. She is pursuing her bachelor's degree in finance, Marketing, and Philosophy at Boston College and will be beginning her career as a Wealth Management Analyst at Bank of America upon graduating. Annika is both a Dean's List student and a recipient of the AHANA scholars prize, celebrating diverse students at BC.

Annika is passionate about helping others in her community and hopes to start public speaking courses for young girls in the greater Boston area. Annika is also the president of the Boston College Fashion Club and has organized a sustainable thrift shop along with an on-campus fashion show!

Annika is so excited to take on her year and can’t wait to go to Miss USA later this year!

Watch The Race On 10 Large Screens

The Race starts at 6:50 PM

Hat Contest

Compete for the coveted titles and win a prize in one of three categories. Best Hat (ladies only), Best Dressed (men only) Most Creative (open to all)!

Delicious Food

Please join us from 3PM - 7PM and enjoy complimentary hors & d'oeuvres & dessert on us

Door Prizes

Down & Derby attendees have a chance to win a FREE door prize for simply attending the event!