Space Coast Derby Day 2026

Save the Date:

Saturday, May 2, 2026

Location TBD

  

GET YOUR

TICKETS HERE

(COMING SOON)

History

Space Coast Derby Day started as Rockledge Rotary’s main fundraiser in 2004. Known as Rockledge Rotary Derby Day, the event was originally held at the Rockledge Country Club. It grew over the next few years until that venue was no longer large enough. We later became a fixture at the Holiday Inn Viera from 2007-2014. With the gaining popularity of the event, we chose a venue with virtually unlimited growth opportunities and moved to Wickham Park. At that time, we rebranded the event as Space Coast Derby Day. As an indoor/outdoor event with live horse racing, we were able to nearly double our capacity and provide Central Florida’s premier Kentucky Derby experience. In 2020, due to COVID-19, we transitioned to a live, virtual event which enabled us to continue to support charitable organizations despite the new challenges the year brought many. From 2021 - 2024, we hosted the event live again but at a new venue, The Twisted Birch. In 2025, with the growth of the event, we hosted it at the St. John Event Hall. This year's venue is TBD. 

 

Proceeds from the 2025 Space Coast Derby Day Event tallied $85.5K, which was distributed between the charities. A portion of the funds stay with the Rockledge Rotary Foundation and are used to give to the local community throughout the year.  

Beneficiaries

 

The Salvation Army North/Central Brevard exists to meet human need wherever, whenever, and however it can. The organization assesses the needs of each community it serves and builds programs designed to offer immediate relief, short-term care, and long-term growth in the areas that will best benefit the community.

The Children’s Hunger Project provides over 4,300+ children in Brevard at 60 schools with weekend meals who may be at risk of little or no available food. All meals are prepped, packed and distributed by our volunteers. Every Friday, The Children’s Hunger Project helps elementary school children by providing nutritional food packages to carry kid-friendly food home in their backpack. On Monday, the kids return to school but with a better and healthier foundation for learning. Thanks to many volunteers and supporters, we have served Brevard County children on school weekends without missing a single week, since 2010. 

 

Crosswinds Youth Services creates opportunities for young people to succeed. Crosswinds provides an emergency shelter for runaway and homeless youths, along with additional services like educational, vocational, and recreational services designed to strengthen skills and individual, group, and family counseling.

The East Coast Zoological Society is embarking on a historic campaign to build a world-class Aquarium and Conservation Center on Florida’s East Coast. This will serve as a regional conservation hub with an emphasis on restoring our coastal ecosystems, including the Indian River Lagoon, rehabilitating sea turtles and manatees and engaging children and families in conservation through fun, interactive, hands-on experiences further ensuring our quality of life continues for future generations.

The Rockledge Rotary Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity that raises funds and make charitable donations in alignment with the mission and goals of Rockledge Rotary Club. Our mission is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill and peace by improving health, supporting education and the alleviating of poverty.

Events

  • Live streaming of the Kentucky Derby

  • Charity wagering on the race

  • 50/50 raffle (win up to $10,000)

  • Live and silent auction

  • Wheelbarrow of cheer raffle (two chances to win)

  • Bourbon tasting

  • Heavy gourmet hor d’oeuvres


  • Hat Contest

  • Photo opportunities
       
  • Cash bar serving beer, wine and liquor


  • Hobbling Horse Race


Triple Crown Sponsors



Garland of Roses Sponsors



Kentucky Derby Sponsors



Winner's Circle Sponsors



Entertainment Sponsor



Hobbling Horse Sponsors



In-Kind Sponsors




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