April 23, 2018 11:46 am Mom of the Week, Brooke Bohnsack Presents Races & ‘Ritas!
Brooke, tell us a bit about your latest venture, statement.
statement. is a lifestyle brand I founded one year ago to inspire, guide, motivate, and help people to celebrate life daily. In addition to organizing galas for charitable organizations, we discover interesting destinations, and curate unique events and experiences.
Photo Credit Bob Capazzo.
How’d you come up with the terrific “Races & ‘Ritas” idea? Can you mention what types of food and drinks you’ll be serving?
I never miss an opportunity to celebrate life and I have a passion for bringing people together to celebrate. I’m inspired by unique and memorable experiences, particularly ones that are rare. Last year my husband, Nicholas, and I attended the last annual Kentucky Derby party at Eleven Madison Park and the Derby was on May 6th. This year the Kentucky Derby is on the 5th of May – Cinco de Mayo! The next time the Derby falls on Cinco de Mayo is 2029. I thought this was the perfect year to start an amazing Derby tradition in Greenwich.
The menu will feature a mix of classic food (and drinks) to celebrate both the Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo… from mint juleps and margaritas and a full bar to the full range of Mexican small plates.
What made you choose the band?
I had an opportunity to work with an amazing group of sisters throwing an event for their charity. The event featured Jon Bon Jovi who invited Oak & Ash, an amazing band that opened for Bon Jovi at Madison Square Garden last year. My husband and I loved their sound. They are perfect for “Races & ‘Ritas.” Our party will also open with Duo Francois before the race and will go late, after Oak & Ash’s set, with Paulo Aldo.
How many people do you expect? Will tickets be available up until 5/5/18?
Tickets are going quickly. We are expecting 150 people and we will sell tickets until the day before the Derby.
What is the highlight of your event career, and what is its biggest challenge?
One of my greatest passions in the event world is working in the non-profit sector. I love any opportunity to bring people together, creating memorable experiences, all while raising more awareness and ultimately charitable dollars for worthy causes.
My biggest challenge is trying to execute my ideal vision while catering to such diverse crowds…
Tell us about the venue. Is there an after party?
One of the secrets to a great party is a unique feature that your guests don’t expect. We are keeping a few up our sleeve for Derby de Mayo, but one we can’t hide is the venue. Rich Granoff and his partner, Jeff Mendell, purchased the old Connecticut Light & Power building on Railroad Avenue, which is on the state’s register of historic places. After restoring the building – from which Rich now runs his eponymous architecture firm – we discovered that it was an amazing space, which in a town with multiple events every weekend, nobody had ever partied in. Perfect for Races & ‘Ritas during Derby de Mayo.
