Leithausers Run for the Roses 2022 Party Recap

It has never happened in the history of our party...a history announced as 36 years but the reality is it is 31 years, produced with Susan, and 23, produced by Joe and Susan.  What has never happened you ask? The answer is, no one picked the winning horse! Rich Strike was on our board, sandwiched between two scratched horses, yet no one picked him. I just watched the race, oh my goodness, wow! What a move, what a race and the odds- wow! So what to do with the "winnings" with no winner? We made the decision to donate to the Boys and Girls Club of Licking County. A special place supported by many at the party and a little gift they are not expecting- kind of like Rich Strike as the winner.

We are so grateful to everyone that attended the party, we always say, it is only fun if fun people attend. And it was fun, it was another day of dear friends connecting, sharing and enjoying traditions we love to offer. Even with cool temps, we were grateful for no rain in the afternoon and evening and party goers that know how to dress. Bonus points to those in equestrian boots and when friends bring friends!

We are so grateful to everyone that helps make the party work:

• first and foremost the bestest bartenders ever!!Emily and Eric- you really are something special! It is fun to debrief on what people drink, how much bourbon we go through, people's reactions...the mint juleps alone are worth the visit, And this year was a bourbon year, some years it is beer, some years it is wine...Your care from start to finish is exceptional.
• next all the people that bring the food- oh my the food! The deviled eggs, the salmon, the country ham, the KY goodnesses, the shrimp, the cookies, the spreads, I could go on and on and am so grateful. Thanks to bakeries that do what they do well- cookies and rolls matter. And those berries...Ann- wow- beautiful.
• shout out to Peter manning the betting this year- well done
• our DJ- Andy Durham- wow wow wow- perfect vibes- so grateful. Need a DJ contact Andy!!!
• Amanda and Brian, next door neighbors that allow us to embrace that amazing park like setting and so much more- such supporters in this event, thank you.
• every year a bottle of bourbon is delivered the week of, you know who you are, thank you. You were missed this year, but you didn't miss the delivery- thank you!
• Sally you swept, and assisted and checked in where needed. Next year it is all about you as you graduate from Granville High!!
• I'm sure I'm forgetting folks...thank you to those that stop by, offer to do errands, deliver flowers and again thanks for the messages if you could not attend, that matters too...this party is about connecting.

So take a look at some of the pics, they tell the story. The rest of the story, what this blog loves to do, includes a younger member of the party wanting to be the last to leave. She had attended almost her whole life..but not covid year...and it made my night to see she and her siblings so happy and engaged. So many of Joe's work team arriving by van and sharing this special day with us. Sally finding hats for her friends and how well they wear them. Granvillians reconnecting after years of not seeing one another, the opportunity to tie a beautiful bow tie for a dear family friend. Those that bring their own julep cups make an impression and I love when I capture the moment. Thomas, thanks for loving the party as you do. Lucy may have been the star- greeting and behaving pretty well on this first Saturday in May in our life on Newark-Granville Road.