Derby Day is the company’s signature fundraising event with a weekend full of unique experiences that blends tradition, entertainment, and community engagement. All proceeds from the event go to the Clark Associates Charitable Foundation and are distributed to a variety of local charities and educational foundations.
What began as a small, passion-led fundraiser in 2013 for the Conestoga Valley Education Foundation through the creative energy of Beth Clark, wife of company founder and chairman Fred Clark, has quickly grown in scope and capacity. With the dedicated efforts of an employee-led Derby Day Committee, revenues have grown from a first-year total of $25,000 to this year’s grand total of $2.7 million. Derby Day has expanded both in reach and impact over the years, reflecting the collective dedication of those involved.
This year’s event benefited 30 recipients, with individual check sizes for each charity ranging from $25,000 to $300,000. Derby Day proceeds benefit organizations that serve individuals with disabilities, provide youth education, preserve the environment, support at-risk youth, run programs for homeless populations, fight food insecurity, uplift local volunteers, and aid war refugees.
Watch this video to hear firsthand how these organizations benefitted from the 2026 Derby Day event:
Guests embraced the spirit and style of the Kentucky Derby® while waiting for “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" to be broadcast live throughout the venue. Over 300 tickets were purchased for the event, and all attendees were entertained by the eclectic sounds of The Cat’s Pajamas and features such as the traditional hat contest emceed by former WGAL News 8 reporter Anne Shannon. Guests also took part in complimentary refreshments and fun activities.
Clark Associates Charitable Foundation Executive Director, Mike Thornton, emphasized the impact this event has on the community, noting, “Though it’s almost become expected that Derby Day weekend will grow in its capacity to help high-value nonprofits each year, it’s hard not to be astonished when listening to CEO Gene Clark read the list of recipients and their donations at Saturday’s main event.”
He went on to say that the event stands out as a one-of-a-kind charitable effort made possible by the dedication of the Derby Day Committee, the employee volunteer team, and of course, Clark’s business partners.
About Clark Associates, Inc.
Clark Associates is a privately held company headquartered in Lancaster, PA, and has been named the largest foodservice equipment and supplies dealer in the nation for the fifth year in a row by Foodservice Equipment & Supplies magazine.
Employing over 7,900 people, Clark’s multiple divisions and branches in distribution, sales, and technology serve a variety of commercial foodservice customers nationwide. For more information on our business and history, please visit www.clarkinc.biz.