Derby Day 2021

VIP Event Boxes are sold out, but you may click below to purchase your general admission ticket to the event!

It's Time To Get In The Race For Mito!

Join us live on May 1, 2021 from 5:30pm - 7:00pm EST to "Get in the Race for Mito" at the 12th annual Sandra K. Russell Derby Day Benefit for Mito!

 Although this year's event will look a little different as we transition to a virtual event, you can expect all the excitement from years past...Kentucky Derby inspired cocktails, big hats, flashy bow ties, unique raffle and auction items, and the most exciting two minutes in sports, all from the comfort of your home! 

But, we need you to make this possible!

This action-packed evening supports all of the programs and resources that MitoAction offers free of charge to the mitochondrial disease community. 

Sandra loved the Kentucky Derby and she was committed to helping others, especially those affected by mitochondrial disease.  In her honor, funds raised through this event provide free services to mito patients and mito families.  MitoAction's programs provide a lifeline for the families we service by providing relief from the day-to-day challenges and the isolation they feel when dealing with this rare disease.  MitoAction is determined to make sure that no one has to feel alone on this journey and that we are here for them every step of the way.

  You too can make a difference for families affected by mitochondrial disease!

Schedule of Events

5:25pm - Doors "Open"

5:30pm - A Kentucky Welcome

5:35pm - Make a Mint Julep

5:40pm - Happy Hour

6:10pm - Live Auction

6:20pm - Waterfall Auction

6:40pm - Call to the Post - Last Call for Wagers!

6:50pm - "Most Exciting 2 Minutes in Sports" - The 147th Kentucky Derby Run for the Roses live from Churchill Downs

7:00pm - Closing Remarks

*The event will remain open until 8:00pm*

How It All Began

The annual Sandra K. Russell Derby Day Benefit for Mito is held in honor of Sandra Russell, who lost her battle with mitochondrial disease in 2008.  Sandra is the late wife of MitoAction Board Member Gordon Russell and mother of Derby Day committee members, Buck, Rebecca and Jonathan Russell.

The Russell Family had an annual tradition of hosting a fun-filled celebration on the day of the Kentucky Derby for family and friends.  MitoAction is honored to continue this family tradition and to celebrate Sandra's commitment to helping others, especially those impacted by mitochondrial disease.

Because of the generous support of our SKR Derby Day sponsors, volunteers and attendees, MitoAction continues to provide vital support to those who courageously face the day to day challenges of this devastating rare disease.

The Matthew Harty Camper Fund

 2014 was the year Matthew Harty's parents, Paul and Sarah, were going to send him to Camp Korey in the summer. "We wanted to send Matthew to camp because we wanted him to feel that experience of just being a kid at camp, like everybody else," Paul said. 

 But Matthew never got the chance. Just days after his 8th birthday, Matthew died of mitochondrial disease.

 MitoAction renamed its "Send A Kid to Camp" program "The Matthew Harty Camper Fund" in honor of this amazing little boy. "We have a newfound mission in our family and that's to send as many kids with mitochondrial disease as possible to camp because we never know when they're going to get that chance," said Paul, a MitoAction board member for over ten years.   

Managing Mito is difficult for not only the child, but for the parents, as well. "So the opportunity to go to camp and just be a kid and forget about all those issues that you have to deal with on a regular basis is a gift we have to give to kids and parents moving forward," Paul said.

About MitoAction

For over 15 years, MitoAction has been transforming the lives of families affected by mitochondrial disease. 

Our mission is to improve the quality of life for children, adults, and families living with mitochondrial disease through support, education, outreach, advocacy, clinical research initiatives and by granting wishes for children affected by mitochondrial disease.
 
Committed to making the largest impact possible, MitoAction serves individuals in the U.S. and around the world, and all of our programs and services are free of charge. The programs and services MitoAction provides continue to be a lifeline for families impacted by mitochondrial disease. Families know with MitoAction, they will never be alone on this difficult journey.