WHAT'S HAPPENING

Rocketts Landing was the next best thing to Churchill Downs for celebrating the running of the 134th Kentucky Derby on May 3, and all for a good cause: to help fund the annual operating budget of the Richmond Ballet.

With Stoner Winslett as the artistic director, the ballet ranks among the top mid-sized companies nationally, each year producing programs that reach more than 100,000 people. Dr. Kenneth R. Zaslov serves as chairman of the board of trustees with Mary Anne Hooker as president. Debbie Schebe and Wade Rinaca were co-chairs for this event. Honorary co-chairs were Hugh Gouldthorpe of Owens & Minor, and Gail Johnson with Rainbow Station.

Presenting sponsors were Rocketts Landing LLC and Owens & Minor.

Under the Derby-themed party tent pitched on the sunny bank of the James River, nearly 300 ballet fans and dancers sipped icy mint juleps and nibbled hors d'oeuvres.

Following Big Brown's win in the race, celebrants enjoyed a gourmet buffet with Southern flair, including crab cakes, smoked oysters, corn cakes and pork tenderloin provided by David Napier of David's White House Catering. The black and white, checkered-flag dance floor was the spot to be after dinner as spirited guests kicked up their heels to soulful tunes of Groove Spot. -- Marsha Polier Grossman