For 13 consecutive years, MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS® of Cape Cod and Old Friends of Kentucky teamed up each Spring for an unparalleled online shopping experience with their “Hats Off to the Horses” auction series.
Old Friends is an organization with facilities in Georgetown, Kentucky Dream Chase Farm( as well as New York (Old Friends at Cabin Creek). More than 250 retired racehorses enjoy a forever home with Old Friends. Old Friends has a marvelous outreach as well for educating the public about the needs of all horses.
Starting in 2009, the owner of MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS® Sally Faith Steinmann decided to be part of that outreach on Old Friends’ behalf. She created “Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby”, an exclusive fundraiser for the retired racehorses of Dream Chase Farm. The fundraiser lasts for four months. Each month Sally creates and donates custom Derby hats honoring Old Friends retirees that are put up for auction. All of the proceeds benefits the horses who live at Dream Chase Farm, with over $45,000 raised to date.
Michael Blowen, President and founder of Old Friends once stated, “Sally Faith Steinmann’s works of millinery art have raised thousands of dollars and a priceless amount of awareness for all these great retired athletes. Their stunning beauty and indescribable originality symbolize what one great artist can do to positively alter the lives of so many deserving athletes.”
Unfortunately in 2022, Sally had to temporarily put a pause on her beloved “Hats Off” auction series in order to care for her elderly mother during her final years.
It is now 2024, and we are looking ahead to the future. In the hope that we shall to be able to resume this worthwhile auction series for the horses of Old Friends on in 2025!
Over the coming months we’ll be sharing more about the history of this long-running auction effort for Old Friends. Be sure to browse through this blog for news about our past auctions as well as information on how to contribute in the future.
To learn more about Old Friends at Dream Chase Farm and offer your support, please visit the Old Friends website or call them at 502-863-1775.
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Hats and Horses 