Sponsored Events

A few highlights of the events Calder sponsors annually.

Boys and Girls Club Ranch Roam
Calder Race Course has been a Golden Sponsor annually of the Boys and Girls Club Ranch Roam held at the Bergeron Davie rodeo grounds and Bergeron ranch. The Boys and Girls Clubs provide thousands of at-risk youth a safe and positive alternative to the streets. Their goal is to teach the value of education and the need to stay in school. Many items are sold each year at the live auction...sometimes even an actual horse!

Marlins' Night Out with the Marlins Community Foundation
Calder Race Course sponsored Marlins' Night Out by providing charity items for auction and with the appearance of Official Mini Mascot Lightning at the event. This monthly Friday night event helps raise funds for the Community Foundation. The night of Calder's sponsorship also included Lightning's friend Wilson, a goat brought in just for the Cubs game. Wilson was such a big hit he even got to visit with Billy the Marlin on the field!

Best Buddies Arabian Nights Gala on Star Island (2004) and Havana Nights on Star Island (2005); A Columbian Affair on Watson Island (2006); Brazilian Carnavale (2007), Espanola (2008)
Calder Race Course has been a long-time sponsor of the Best Buddies program which places adults in the community with adults with intellectual disabilities. These buddies assist them with errands, day to day activities and just being there for them when they are needed. As a result of their experience in Best Buddies, buddies have an increased self-worth, which leads to securing jobs, learning how to ride public transportation, living independently in their own homes. falling in love and making lifelong friendships. The different perspective the abled buddies get is also rewarding as they gain the benefits of volunteerism.

The Gala on Star Island is a star-studded affair which has included Fabio, Macy Gray, Carl Lewis and Esai Morales among others. Famed Brazilian artist Romero Britto also plays a major role - painting a Volvo for the auction. In 2005, celebrities included actress Miss Universe, Miss America and Miss Florida, actress Kelly Hu, basketball star Shaquille O'Neal and wife Shaunie, En Vogue, actor Casper Van Dien and his actress wife and European royal Catherine Oxenberg. In 2006, Ryan Seacrest, the Apprentice's Omarosa, Vivica A. Fox and singer Carlos Vives graced the event. In 2007 Vanessa Hudgens, Kelly Hu (Mission Impossible) and Enrique Mercado were among the guests.

Boys and Girls Club Dancing with the Stars Gala
Boys and Girls Club of Broward County hosted its signature event the Annual Dinner Auction as an integral part of the fund raising efforts. Proceeds go directly to programs necessary to provide for the 12,000 youth, ages 7-20, who have found a safe home from the streets.  Calder has been an active supporter for many years for the auction.

The International Miami Make-A-Wish Ball
Held annually, raises funds to grant wishes of children with life threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. In its 12 year history, the ball led to 1,100 wishes granted.