The Kentucky Derby brings with it many celebrities, galas, parties, horses, mint juleps and gambling. But this year, one fundraiser/awareness-raiser focuses on the children of Louisville—children who cannot help themselves.
And the idea came out of the gate nine years ago.
After enjoying the Derby back in 2000, Cathy Bailey, a teacher by trade, was sitting with the then-deputy secretary of the Department of Justice. He told her of a need—it was a need that Bailey couldn’t and didn’t ignore.
She then heard the story of Sharon Neville, a volunteer in a local women’s prison who had accepted the responsibility of caring for the baby of an inmate who had no family to turn to.
That was the moment that the philanthropist, who has always been involved in children’s needs, she said, founded with her husband Irv Bailey, Operation Open Arms, Inc. a nonprofit organization in Louisville, Ky.
A firm believer that “children shouldn’t have to pay for their mother’s crimes,” Cathy and Irv decided to start the organization, in 2001, that screens parents who want to foster children whose mothers are in prison.
The number of children under 18 with a mother in prison has more than doubled since 1991, according the organization.
“My choice was Operation Open Arms because I wanted my baby to be used to one person. They take care of her like they would their own,” said Jennifer, a mother in prison, like so many that had no other option—no family, no father for the child and not wanting her child to become a ward of the state.
“[It] pulls at your heartstrings—how do you break the cycle,” Cathy said.
One way that Cathy and Open Arms is trying to break the cycle of imprisonment, is to screen loving and dependable families to take in the children needing the most care.
Parents are subjected to a vigorous screening process, she said, to see if in fact they are viable candidates to take care of the child. Cathy said that they look for commitment from the people who will care for these children, take them to see their mothers in prison and be willing to give those girls and boys back to their mother once the mother is released from prison.
“They have to love these children in such an unselfish way,” she said of the foster parents. “They are the real unsung heroes.”
Currently, Open Arms has 11 children with eight families. The oldest child is 11 years old and the youngest is just 4 month old.
Cathy said that she Irv have an annual Christmas party for the families and children and there isn’t a time that they don’t get teary-eyed watching the love in the room and the happiness on the children’s faces.
“The families are so committed,” she said. “They don’t need Santa to come in [to be happy].”
This year’s Derby celebration; however, will be a chance for the foster parents to have a nice night out.
In true Derby tradition, the organization and its founders will host the organization’s inaugural Derby-night event; An Evening with Stephen Schwartz, to raise awareness and money for the children that it helps.
While abroad working as U.S. Ambassador, Cathy met Schwartz in the Republic of Latvia, and said that she was struck by his talent and his devotion to others. “He was amazing, such a nice man, humanitarian,” she said of the composer who is donating his time and his talent to the cause.
“I have seen firsthand the joy that Stephen brings to children throughout the United States and around the world,” Cathy said. “When Stephen learned of our charity, he immediately connected with our mission in helping children and was delighted to be a part of our Derby night event.”
She said that she hopes that the evening will bring about more awareness of the situation that the children of mother’s in prison are in.
“[This is] a different event for the Derby,” said Sarah Provancher, spokeswoman for the event. “This will be a lovely, elegant evening [and] calming. It will being the weekend to a nice end for people.”
Beginning at 7:30 p.m., the May 2 evening is set to include entertainment by Stephen Schwartz, the Academy Award-winning composer, lyricist and musician of Broadway musicals and movies, including “Wicked,” “Godspell” and “Pocahontas.”
Valet parking will be provided for the event taking place at The Olmsted in Louisville, Ky. And Derby attire, including hats, is encouraged Cathy said.
For more information about the organization visit OpArms.org or call (502) 493-4009. For more information about the event contact Allison Duncan at (502) 493-4009.
