6/18/2012 - By Harrell's

Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine (LVIM) is a volunteer-run medical and dental clinic that provides free quality medical care to the working uninsured of Polk County.

They have over 400 medical and lay volunteers who donate their time and expertise to care for LVIM patients.  The organization has more than 16,000 patients enrolled and over 250,000 patient visits.  These numbers have been accomplished through donations of time and financial support from donors.  One of the ways the organization is funded is through sponsorship packages for the Lakeland Derby. Harrell’s is proud to be a Triple Crown Sponsor for the fourth consecutive year. The sponsorship gives us the right to “own” a swan in the race and to “train” our own jockeys.

The Lakeland Derby is staged on Lake Mirror in downtown Lakeland on Friday, April 29 which is one week prior to the Kentucky Derby.

The Derby features ten beautiful hand-crafted swans racing to the finish line.  The family event is free and open to the public and includes live entertainment, activities for kids, fireworks and lots of fun.  There will be local vendors on hand where you may purchase drinks and snacks.  There are three races, with the first being the Maiden Handicap which begins at 6:15 pm. followed by the Celebrity Dash at 6:45 pm. The third (and most important) race is at 7:30 pm and Harrell’s own Gaby Rivera and Froylan Alonso are our jockeys!  In previous years Lat Varn, Tony Mongiello, Kat Pawlak and Joslyne Scofield served as jockeys.

We invite you to come out, bring your family, and cheer on Gaby and Froylan as they reach the finish line!

For more information, visit the LVIM website.