A BEAUTIFULLY DIFFERENT DERBY
SATURDAY, JULY 18TH, 2026 | 5:00 PM GATES OPEN
RETAMA PARK | the SKYBOX SUITE
Not everyone runs the same race. But we're all headed toward the same finish line.
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Join disABILITYsa at Retama Park for an unforgettable Derby Day featuring live horse racing, camel, ostrich, and zebra races, a silent auction, Derby-inspired fashion, and a hat contest.
Just as every race animal brings its own strengths to the track, every person brings talents, perspectives, and experiences that enrich our community. A Beautifully Different Derby celebrates those differences while supporting disABILITYsa's mission to build a more inclusive San Antonio. Enjoy an afternoon of racing, fashion, fun, and philanthropy—because our differences make our community stronger. Every ticket helps create opportunities for people with disabilities to connect, lead, participate, and thrive in our community. TICKETS: $150/PERSON
(LIMITED TO FIRST 50 PEOPLE) |
TICKET & DONOR FORMS
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Event Highlights
Why It Matters
For nearly 20 years, disABILITYsa has worked to build a community where people with disabilities can fully live, learn, work, and play. Through leadership development, community engagement, accessibility initiatives, inclusive events, and resource navigation, we help remove barriers and create opportunities for participation and belonging.
Funds raised through A Beautifully Different Derby support programs and services that strengthen connections, promote inclusion, and expand opportunities for children and adults with disabilities throughout the greater San Antonio area.
Dress to Impress
Derby fashion is part of the tradition and part of the fun. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite Derby-inspired attire, including bold colors, festive patterns, bow ties, fascinators, and hats worthy of the winner's circle.
Don't forget to enter the Hat Contest and show off your Derby style.
Access, Nibbles & Bits
The Skybox Suite offers the best view in the park with floor to ceiling windows. Guests will have access to an outside balcony to hear the hoofbeats, a bathroom located down the hall, private wagering machines, and a private cash bar.
Take in the racing action over nibbles from the house buffet which includes Prime Rib and bacon wrapped pork loin with red wine demi sauce, roasted potatoes, roasted asparagus, & herb roasted corn. Cash Bar.
Gates open at 5:00 pm. | Hat Contest at 5:45 pm. | The Buffet will open at 6:00 pm. | First horse race at 7:00 pm.
Celebrate Differences. Support Inclusion.
At A Beautifully Different Derby, every race is different, every guest brings something unique, and every contribution helps create a more welcoming and inclusive community. Join us for an afternoon of excitement, elegance, and impact as we celebrate the beauty found in our differences and invest in a future where everyone belongs.
Zebras - After horse race 3 | Ostriches - After horse race 5 | Camels - After horse race 7
Hat Contest Categories & Prizes
The 3 Hat Contest Winners will get to go down to watch a horse race from the winner's circle!
Most Beautifully Different [Prize: TBD]
This award celebrates a hat that truly embodies the spirit of A Beautifully Different Derby, highlighting originality, personality, and joyful self-expression.
Judges will look for hats that clearly reflect the wearer’s individuality, use creative and unexpected materials or ideas, and thoughtfully consider comfort and inclusion, all while staying closely connected to the event’s theme of celebrating differences.
Best Exotic Racer [Prize: TBD]
This award is all about the excitement of our zebra, camel, and ostrich races.
Judges will select a hat that clearly draws inspiration from these exotic racers—through stripes, feathers, desert tones, racing silks, or other playful details—and tells a fun race‑day story at a glance. Designs should feel energetic and imaginative, while remaining respectful, wearable, and reasonably comfortable throughout the event.
Best In Show [Prize: TBD]
This award recognizes the standout hat of the day for overall design, presentation, and wow factor.
Judges will consider the quality of craftsmanship, visual balance, and how well colors and materials work together, along with how confidently and comfortably the wearer carries the hat. Extra consideration is given to designs that photograph beautifully from multiple angles and represent the event's inclusive, welcoming tone.
Silent Auction
The Summer Silent Auction will run from Monday, July 13th - Saturday, July 18th, closing at 8:00 PM. Items will be available for pick-up on Saturday after 8pm at Retama Park or M-F between 9am - 4pm at the disABILITYsa Offices.
- Live horse racing
- Camel, ostrich, and zebra races
- Silent auction [check-out the items...bid early, bid often]
- Derby-inspired attire
- Hat contest
- Food, beverages, and socializing
- Opportunities to learn more about disABILITYsa and our work in the community
Why It Matters
For nearly 20 years, disABILITYsa has worked to build a community where people with disabilities can fully live, learn, work, and play. Through leadership development, community engagement, accessibility initiatives, inclusive events, and resource navigation, we help remove barriers and create opportunities for participation and belonging.
Funds raised through A Beautifully Different Derby support programs and services that strengthen connections, promote inclusion, and expand opportunities for children and adults with disabilities throughout the greater San Antonio area.
Dress to Impress
Derby fashion is part of the tradition and part of the fun. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite Derby-inspired attire, including bold colors, festive patterns, bow ties, fascinators, and hats worthy of the winner's circle.
Don't forget to enter the Hat Contest and show off your Derby style.
Access, Nibbles & Bits
The Skybox Suite offers the best view in the park with floor to ceiling windows. Guests will have access to an outside balcony to hear the hoofbeats, a bathroom located down the hall, private wagering machines, and a private cash bar.
Take in the racing action over nibbles from the house buffet which includes Prime Rib and bacon wrapped pork loin with red wine demi sauce, roasted potatoes, roasted asparagus, & herb roasted corn. Cash Bar.
Gates open at 5:00 pm. | Hat Contest at 5:45 pm. | The Buffet will open at 6:00 pm. | First horse race at 7:00 pm.
Celebrate Differences. Support Inclusion.
At A Beautifully Different Derby, every race is different, every guest brings something unique, and every contribution helps create a more welcoming and inclusive community. Join us for an afternoon of excitement, elegance, and impact as we celebrate the beauty found in our differences and invest in a future where everyone belongs.
Zebras - After horse race 3 | Ostriches - After horse race 5 | Camels - After horse race 7
Hat Contest Categories & Prizes
The 3 Hat Contest Winners will get to go down to watch a horse race from the winner's circle!
Most Beautifully Different [Prize: TBD]
This award celebrates a hat that truly embodies the spirit of A Beautifully Different Derby, highlighting originality, personality, and joyful self-expression.
Judges will look for hats that clearly reflect the wearer’s individuality, use creative and unexpected materials or ideas, and thoughtfully consider comfort and inclusion, all while staying closely connected to the event’s theme of celebrating differences.
Best Exotic Racer [Prize: TBD]
This award is all about the excitement of our zebra, camel, and ostrich races.
Judges will select a hat that clearly draws inspiration from these exotic racers—through stripes, feathers, desert tones, racing silks, or other playful details—and tells a fun race‑day story at a glance. Designs should feel energetic and imaginative, while remaining respectful, wearable, and reasonably comfortable throughout the event.
Best In Show [Prize: TBD]
This award recognizes the standout hat of the day for overall design, presentation, and wow factor.
Judges will consider the quality of craftsmanship, visual balance, and how well colors and materials work together, along with how confidently and comfortably the wearer carries the hat. Extra consideration is given to designs that photograph beautifully from multiple angles and represent the event's inclusive, welcoming tone.
Silent Auction
The Summer Silent Auction will run from Monday, July 13th - Saturday, July 18th, closing at 8:00 PM. Items will be available for pick-up on Saturday after 8pm at Retama Park or M-F between 9am - 4pm at the disABILITYsa Offices.
- 45 Minute Massage Donated by R3 Medical Massage
- 3 Month Silver Membership at Ashley Bruno Aesthetics
- One Airrosti Treatment Donated by Airrosti China Grove / Zach Petter
- Wine Tasting for 6 People Donated by Water 2 Wine
- Devil Wears Prada Collection Donated by Ninnette Aquino
- The Circus is Coming Handbag Donated by Artist Amy Matsumoto
- Wellness Recovery Package Donated by BioworX / CryoFit Alamo Heights
- 3 Sweat Equity Wellness Services Donated by Sweat Equity Infrared Saunas
- 11" Limited Edition Irish Setter Stein Donated by Settin' Pretty
