Shepherd Center celebrates Derby with fundraising party

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Atlanta's Shepherd Center is celebrating the biggest day in the horse racing calendar with its annual Derby Day fundraiser.

The event, now in its 36th year, started as a way for the nonprofit hospital to reach out to a younger generation. Now it's an institution, with young people from around the area donning big hats, sipping juleps, and watching the races for a good cause.

Last year, the event broke records for the hospital, bringing in over 1,300 people and raising $325,000.

All the money is donated directly back to the Shepherd Center's Recreation Therapy Program, which helps people with spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and other neuromuscular conditions live independent, active lifestyles.

This year, the festivities will be held at Chastain Horse Park. The event costs $100 to attend and runs from 2 to 8 p.m. 

You can find out more on the event's website.