A Winning Day at the Kentucky Derby Tailgate
- Sep 27, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 13
September 27, 2025 | Iowa City Shelter House | Total Raised: $1,800
Our Kentucky Derby–themed tailgate on September 27, 2025 was a memorable Homecoming celebration filled with friendly competition, festive attire, and an incredible spirit of generosity. While guests enjoyed Derby-inspired fun, horse race games, and great company before the Hawkeyes took the field, the day's true victory was the impact we made together for the Iowa City Shelter House.
Thanks to the generosity of our Rose Club community, we raised $1,800 to support Shelter House and its mission of providing safe shelter and resources for individuals experiencing homelessness. According to Shelter House, those funds are enough to provide approximately 30 nights of shelter for people in need—an incredible reminder of what can happen when a community comes together.
The day's raffle featured some fantastic prizes, including a Hawkeye Grizzly cooler, Caitlin Clark Indiana Fever #22 jersey, Indiana Fever #22 t-shirt, casserole pot, and Mickey's Pub shirts, all donated to help raise funds for this important cause.
A special thank you goes to Joey, who captured fun family Derby portraits throughout the tailgate. For just $10 per photo, every dollar went directly to Shelter House, giving our guests a keepsake while making a meaningful difference.
We also learned that new socks are one of Shelter House's greatest ongoing needs. In response, The Rose Club Foundation purchased several dozen pairs of men's and women's socks, and thanks to the generosity of our guests, we collected an additional large bag of socks to donate.
Every tailgate reminds us that football has a unique way of bringing people together—but it's what we do with that opportunity that matters most. Thank you to everyone who attended, donated, purchased raffle tickets, posed for Derby photos, and helped make this event another example of Next Level Tailgating with a Purpose.
Go Hawks! 🖤💛
If you are interested in supporting the Iowa City Shelter House, please visit their website to learn more.
