(PALM BEACH) – More than 100 guests gathered recently for a Girls Night Out at Salon Margrit in Palm Beach to honor the Easter Seals Derby Day Party Committee. Featuring a trunk show by Miami evening wear designer Rene Ruiz, the event was a fashion haven for guests.

“With the Derby Day Party coming up in May, Salon Margrit was so generous to host this fabulous cocktail reception and it was a wonderful way to honor our committee,” said Rhonda Clinton, executive director for Easter Seals Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie Counties. “It was the perfect venue to host a Girls Night Out!”

Set for May 2 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach, the Southern style Derby Day Party will feature a live televised viewing of the 135^th Run for the Roses, old fashioned fun wagering, mint juleps and a Dixieland Band, followed by a silent auction, dinner and dancing to the music of David John and The Max Band.

Led by Co-Chairmen Brenda and Robert Castellano, Barbara and Richard C. Gilbert, Suzi and Richard Goldsmith, Lorrain and Malcolm Hall and Barbara and James Kravitz, the Derby Day Party will benefit children with special needs at Easter Seals Igoe-Amar Child Development Center in West Palm Beach.

Honorary Chairpersons are Dr. Elizabeth Bowden, Norma and Simon C. Fireman, Arlette and Robert Gordon and Herme de Wyman Miro. Junior Chairs are Sue Gibson, Laura and Marc Sherman, and Suzanne and Scott Rehl. Judith Morrell and Cynthia Maronet will serve as Auction Chairs.

During the event, Easter Seals will be honoring all past chairman for the last nine years for their support of the children at the Igoe-Amar Center. Those being honored include William Koch, Gale Brophy, Stephania Conrad, Henry Fong, Lee Hennessee-Gradante, Suzi Goldsmith, Faith Morford, Lori Stoll, Mary Frances Turner, Maureen Woodward and Gail Worth.

Tickets to the Derby Party are $325 per person. Young Friends tickets are available at $200 per person for those under forty. 

Easter Seals Igoe-Amar Child Development Center is Palm Beach County’s only full-time educational/ therapeutic pre-school program for children ages birth to five who live with challenges such as Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, genetic and seizure disorders, hearing and speech or language dysfunctions and developmental delays.  The Center prepares these children for success in school through early intervention services combined with pediatric speech, physical, occupational and behavioral therapies. The goal is to help all children gain independence and learn to walk, talk, and learn self-help skills in preparation for school.