Junie Eimiller, B.E. Strong 716 founder and CEO, is pictured with volunteers Joann Murray and Missy Kwiatkowski. Below, The B.E. Strong volunteer “team” assisting at a fundraiser for Aspire. Submitted photos

“I wanted to try something new and fresh for the fifth annual based on feedback I received. I came up with the idea to do a Kentucky Derby themed party before people get busy with their summer activities,” said Junie Eimiller, B.E. Strong 716 founder and CEO.

The buffet-style menu includes pimento cheese charcuterie, Benedictine relish tray, bourbon meatballs, Kentucky hot brown sliders, southern gumbo, fried chicken cutlets, homemade coleslaw, various corn breads, and traditional southern mac and cheese, and an array of desserts.

Attendees can select horses in a raffle-style contest with cash prizes divided among first, second, and third place winners. There will also be contests for best hat, best female dressed, and best male dressed, with $100 cash prizes and voting by all attendees using a numbered sticker system. Derby attire is encouraged, but event organizers want to keep it casual, noting jeans are welcome too.

There will also be basket giveaways and music by local band Aces and Eights.

Proceeds from the event support B.E. Strong 716, which Eimiller founded in 2021 in memory of her late son, Bannon. The organization supports a variety of individuals and causes in the 716 area, but especially those important to her son.

“Bannon had a heart for those who were struggling or less fortunate, and especially for children and animals. Through this fundraiser, we are able to give back to individuals, families, and community causes that would have meant so much to him,” Eimiller said. There is also a special commitment, she says, to “support those who are grieving or facing difficult times, as we understand firsthand the weight of loss and importance of compassion.”

B.E. Strong provides direct support to individuals and families facing life-altering crises, including covering funeral expenses after a death in the family, assisting those living with chronic illness, special needs, as well as animal welfare.

“There are a lot of people going through very tough situations that the public doesn’t know about; those are the types of things that we really try to focus on and support,” Eimiller said.

As a recently retired Southwestern Central School teacher, Eimiller has seen that impact firsthand.

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After learning of families in crisis within the district, she connected them with B.E. Strong for immediate help. In one case, the organization assisted a family displaced by a house fire; in others, it stepped in following the sudden, unexpected death of a child or parent.

Sponsorships are available by emailing Eimiller at B.E.Strong716charity@gmail.com. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at Slone-Melhuish Insurance, 306 Spring St., Jamestown; South Hills Golf Course, 3108 Busti Stillwater Road, Jamestown, by visiting the B.E. Strong Facebook page and clicking on the link www.zeffy.com/en-US/, or by emailing B.E.Strong716charity@gmail.com.

The Elks Lodge is located at 339 East 4th Street in Jamestown.