Welcome to the “Hats Off to the Horses” blog!
This is where you will receive news and information about the “Hats Off to the Horses” Derby hat auctions sponsored by MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS to benefit Old Friends of Kentucky
How It All Began…
For 13 consecutive years, MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS® of Cape Cod and Old Friends of Kentucky teamed up each Spring for an unparalleled online shopping experience with their “Hats Off to the Horses” auction series.
Old Friends is an organization dedicated to Thoroughbred racehorses. They provide retired racehorses with the care they deserve when their racing/breeding careers are over. Old Friends has 2 facilities in Georgetown. The first, Dream Chase Farm, is located in Kentucky. Their second farm is located in New York named Old Friends at Cabin Creek. More than 250 retired racehorses enjoy a forever home with Old Friends. Old Friends has a marvelous outreach as well for educating the public about the needs of all horses.
MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS® Starts a Derby Hat Auction…
Since 1998 custom milliner and owner of MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS® Sally has been creating hats for weddings, the Derby, Royal Ascot and fancy teas. Starting in 2009 Sally decided to be part of that outreach on Old Friends’ behalf and she found the perfect idea!
She created “Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby”. This exclusive fundraiser benefits the retired racehorses of Dream Chase Farm. The fundraiser lasts for four months. Each month Sally creates and donates custom Derby hats honoring Old Friends retirees that go up for auction. And because 100% of proceeds benefit the horses of Old Friends, over $45,000 has been raised to date.
A Grand Success!
Michael Blowen, President and founder of Old Friends once stated, “Sally Faith Steinmann’s works of millinery art have raised thousands of dollars and a priceless amount of awareness for all these great retired athletes. Their stunning beauty and indescribable originality symbolize what one great artist can do to positively alter the lives of so many deserving athletes.”
And we welcome you to browse through our Archives for news about past auctions and access information on how to contribute to this auction in the future.
But we invite you to see the stunning hats yourself in this slideshow presentation of past “Hats Off” auctions…
Beginning in 2024….
Following a brief hiatus, starting in 2024 we are working toward a return to the “Hats Off” auction series.
And in the meantime you can help the horses of Old Friends by purchasing a hat from the “Rosie Signature Hat Collection” by MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS®. A donation of 20% is donated to the retirees of Old Friends with the sale of each hat!
To learn more about Old Friends at Dream Chase Farm and offer your support, please visit the Old Friends website or call them at 502-863-1775.
We’ll continue to add news about the “Hats Off” auction series as we navigate the 2024 calendar. So stayed tuned…..