Entertainment: Hats, Hearts, and Horses: A Derby Night to Remember for Ele’s Place

Ypsilanti Press Reporter April Christian- Davis

Ele’sPlace story told by: Betsy Stover (Mother)

Photo By April Christian

Betsy Stover

Ele, was born with a crooked little smile, blonde curls and brilliant blue eyes. Unfortunately, she was also born ith a fatal combination of neuromuscular, digestive and pulmonary anomalies. Ele’s spirit was tenacious and she had an incredible will to live. But ultimately there wer no good answers and Ele died two weeks shy of her first birthday on April 24,1989. On hat day her three siblings became grieving children.

Woody and I were devastated by the depth and complexity of the grief that grabbed and ensnared our entire family. At that time in Michigan , there were no programs or agencies dedicated to addressing the needs of grieving children.

Due to the generous support of the Junior League of Lansing , in 1991 our family was one of the original families benefiting from weekly peer support groups at Ele’s Place and we began to move forward. Our children felt empowered and safe, and together with other grieving children their own age, found ways to bear the unbearable.

Over 35 years later, our family is still talking about , missing and loving Ele and we all are involved with Ele’s Place as volunteers and donors. Unfortunately , we can't stop death from occurring. But thankfully Ele’s Place is here and provides the time.. Community and coping skills so that our grieving children and teens will be much more likely to live their lives with greater confidence ,compassion and joy!

Tonight we are here to assure that Ele’s Place remains 100%free of charge to the families we serve and that the mission to ensure that no child or teen in Michigan grieves alone continues in our community. Thank you for all you do to heal grieving hearts. Ele’s Place is located at 5665 Hines Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 734-929-6640. www.elesplace.org

A Night to Remember: Ele’s Place Derby Gala

The buzz in the air was unmistakable. As guests stepped inside, shaking off the early May chill, the room came alive—brimming with elegance, energy, and anticipation. Bold prints popped against tailored suits. Hats—grand, whimsical, and unforgettable—floated through the crowd like colorful confetti, each one telling a story of personality and flair.

Photo by Jeremy McGrew

Photo by April Christian

The scent of spring flowers mingled with the mouthwatering aroma of passed hors d’oeuvres. Glasses clinked as Pink Pony cocktails made their rounds—refreshing, vibrant, and just the right amount of sparkle. Nearby, guests murmured praise over the “Adors”—delectable bites that quickly became the talk of the evening.

As the lights dimmed slightly, all eyes turned to the grand screen at the front. The Kentucky Derby was about to begin. You could feel hearts racing alongside the horses—cheers erupting as favorite picks galloped toward the finish line the winner Sovereignty and jockey Junior Alvarado entered their names in the horse racing history books after winning the 151st Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 3.

The race was completed in 2 minutes and 2.31 seconds on a fairly wet track.

Photo by USAToday

Laughter, surprise, and joy filled the room, setting the perfect tone for what was still to come.

Dinner followed, warm and heartfelt, as stories of hope and healing from Ele’s Place reminded everyone why they were there. Then, the silent auction beckoned—guests gliding from table to table, eyes lighting up over unique treasures and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Finally, the live auction took the stage with roaring applause and bidding paddles flying, raising vital funds for a cause that touched everyone’s heart.

By the end of the night, one thing was certain: this wasn’t just an event—it was a celebration of community, compassion, and commitment to Ele’s Place. And as guests made their way to the exit—coats over arms, smiles still glowing—the same thought crossed everyone’s mind:

“We can’t wait to come back next year.”

Save the dates and join us at Healing Hearts Family Walk Sunday Sep 14, 2025.

Register at https://bit.ly/AAhHalingHeartsWalk

Fall Heartstrings Thank you Event Monday Oct 27, 2025.

Photo by Jeremy McGrew

Photo by April Christian

5665 Hines Dr.

Ann Arbor, MI 48108

734-929-6640 ext. 2211 Office

734-926-0985 Fax

269-598-7851 Mobile

agerber@elesplace.org

Visit us at www.elesplace.org

The event is proudly co-chaired by Kathy & Toby Brzoznowski and Julie & Bryan Muthig, alongside an esteemed host committee, including:

Leyla Conlan, Chris & Robyn DeRuyver, Chris & Sierra Imwalle, Hallie & Henry Jewell, Keith & Shelly Ledbetter, Lori & Brandon Lorenz, Kirk & Michelle Loveless, T. Sean Lynch & Melissa Pilewskie, Ryan & Brittany Muneio, Haley Williams Pepper & Taybor Pepper, Tom & Shirley Randall, Jaison & Christina Restrick, Woody & Betsy Stover, Ted & Eileen Thacker, Rachel & Evan Ufer

“We can’t wait to come back next year.”

Save the dates and join us at Healing Hearts Family Walk Sunday Sep 14, 2025.

Register at https://bit.ly/AAhHalingHeartsWalk

Fall Heartstrings Thank you Event Monday Oct 27, 2025.

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