Derby Day, 2025 CA Auction, Spurs Philanthropy

May 3, 2025, was Derby Day at Colorado Academy, where the annual CA Auction brought together more than 400 enthusiastic guests to support CA’s financial aid program through a festive Kentucky Derby-themed event. Sponsored by Aurum Home Technology and Matt and Lyndsey Farncombe, the race-inspired get-together in CA’s Athletic Center welcomed parents, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends—many of whom came dressed in elaborate hats and formal attire—to enjoy delicious food and drinks, listen to remarks by Head of School Dr. Mike Davis, participate in a Live Auction and paddle-raise, and celebrate with music and dancing.

All told, the event—which also included an online Silent Auction as well as sponsorships, Patron packages, and tickets—yielded more than $800,000 to help families with financial need send their students to CA. The school’s financial aid program will total $5.7 million for the 2025-2026 school year and support 18% of the student body.

“Thanks to the success of the Auction, we are able to prioritize financial access so that all re-enrolled and admitted students can enroll regardless of their family’s economic situation,” Davis said. “Every CA student benefits from our financial aid program, as it helps us build a diverse community of kids and creates friendships that last lifetimes.”

Equestrian wall graphics and decor designed by CA parent Alison Gile, Southern-inspired bites served up by Biscuits & Berries Catering Company, and signature mint juleps transformed the Field House and West Gym into Colorado’s own Churchill Downs. Arriving guests took advantage of the setting to snap Instagram-worthy selfies in their Derby Day attire, then joined the Pre-Party sponsored by Bob and Amy Martin for mingling and refreshments at “The Paddock.” 

Soon, attendees were summoned to the Field House by the traditional “Call to the Post,” performed on trumpet by CA Music Department Chair Phil Jones to announce the start of the evening’s program. Following a welcome from Dr. Davis, Auction Co-Chairs Caity Barton and Jess Sigala told the audience, “Our goal for this year’s event was to use our spring fundraiser as a way to bring together the amazing CA community. And, thanks to all of you, we feel like we achieved that goal.” 

Barton and Sigala led a 50-member Auction Committee spanning every grade, Pre-K through 12: Jenny Baker-Strasburg, Kelly Ballenger, Alexandra Band, Janelle Blessing, Stephanie Cramer, Joy Detra, Polly Edelmann, Jocelyn Ege, Julia Völkel Emerson ’94, Lyndsey Farncombe, Willa Fawer, Kim Fossel, Andi Freyer, Alison Gile, Erin Gleaton, Kelly Haley, Mackenzie Hamilton, Kira Healey, Tanya Hicks, Vanessa Homuth, Brooke Howald, Kati Johns, Ann Jordan, Jill Koch, Whitney Ladd, Julianne Maron, Cat McEachern, Leigh McMahon, Jennifer Miller, Amy Mohraz, Kim Montgomery, Liz Buckingham Oertel ’93, Healy Parks, Margit Patterson, Jill Boat Rakowski ’92, Natalie Newcom Ralston ’99, Ann Benson Reidy ’88, Kellie Slater Reiland ’06, Andrea Rettig, Melinda Robinson, Greer Ryan, Kedzie Schoenwetter ’06, Elana Schwartzreich, Maggie Shapiro, Adrian Simon, Amy Smith, Shelby Stern, Amy Stettner, Laura Whalen, and Marie White.

Next to take the stage was CA alumnus and parent Tom Kimball ’89, auctioneer extraordinaire, dressed in bright jockey’s silks to spur on the bidding for incredible Live Auction packages including a seven-night stay in Harbour Island, Bahamas, and a VIP experience at Kentucky Derby 2026.

The bidding was followed by an Impact Video sponsored by Hirtle Callaghan and VRCC, in which two members of the CA community reflected on their families’ experiences. The video inspired guests to raise their paddles to offer generous donations ranging from $250 to $20,000 to support CA’s financial aid budget.

Said Davis before inviting guests back to the West Gym for an After-Party sponsored by Matter Family Office, “Your generosity will have a lasting impact on all of our students, and we are so grateful.”

View and download more photos from the 2025 CA Auction