Guests at Taster’s Choice, Yellow Brick Road’s annual fundraising event, enjoyed two big surprises at the May 2 gathering at the Virginia Horse Center: Golden Tempo pulled ahead of 17 horses to beat 23-1 odds for the win at Churchill Downs, and Rockbridge County’s oldest early learning center unveiled a new expansion.
“With sincere thanks to Lexington Presbyterian Church, we are pleased to announce the Road to Randolph Street,” Yellow Brick Road Executive Director Misty Camden told assembled guests at the end of the evening. “With this project, we will be in the position to provide highquality, affordable childcare to 34 more infants and toddlers at a time of critical need.” A capital campaign to raise $2.5 million to renovate unused space in the church’s Randolph Street facility is already underway, with close to $1 million already accounted for through grants and donations. (See front page story.)
Even before the expansion announcement, this year’s gala had broken some records. With close to 200 in attendance and the participation of more than 50 local chefs, business owners, private and corporate sponsors, the event exceeded last year’s total donations to secure scholarships for young learners in the community whose families cannot afford full tuition.
“It’s a huge effort to organize an event like Taster’s Choice, but we are blessed with so much will and support among all the participants,” said Bridget Braunscheidel, who chaired this year’s gala. “I couldn’t be prouder of the outpouring of generosity we saw this year. It just shows how important Yellow Brick Road is to the whole community.”
Over the course of the evening, in addition to enjoying locally sourced food and crafted cocktails with friends and colleagues, guests placed bets on Derby runners and bid on auction items, with the highest bid going towards a lake cabin stay in Maine, donated by Eleanor Byrd. The award for Best Dressed was awarded to Julie Campbell, who arrived in a hat worthy of an Electric Cowboy. “I’m impressed with the Yellow Brick Road team and I recognize the importance of expanding their much needed service for the community,” said Campbell, a retired teacher. “The Kentucky Derby Taster’s Choice event was such a fun way to support YBR. I loved it!”
Yellow Brick Road began in 1977 in the East Lexington basement of founder Nan Leonhard’s home and became the area’s first certified early childcare center. Its steady growth over the years has always been accommodated by the community, with local institutions like Grace Episcopal and, now, Lexington Presbyterian offering space, and dozens of local individuals providing custodial oversight and direction as board members. It remains the only certified childcare facility for infants and toddlers in an area where the need for such expertise is higher than in much of the state.
“YBR is a special place,” said long-time teacher Glenn Deacon, between samples of local barbecue and curry chicken skewers. “I remember walking in the doors and understanding that I was meant to be here.” Deacon, who served as the school’s director during its most recent expansion in its present location, still visits the school regularly to play his guitar and sing with the kids. He plans to continue doing so wherever the Yellow Brick Road leads.
In the meantime, Derby fans and supporters of early childhood education can look forward to next year’s gala, which will celebrate the school’s golden anniversary
