You may sign up to attend 1, 2 or all 3 of the Ruthmere Signature Events as a VIP Underwriter for the following rates:

• All 3 Signature Events in 2026 - $5,000
• 2 Signature Events of your choice in 2026- $3,500
• 1 Signature Event  in 2026 - $2,000

Register Here for Derby Day
and other Signature Events in 2026
in one transaction!

What you get as a Signature Event Underwriter:
-Reserved Table of 8 for your party
-Up to 2 additional seats at your table to a maximum of 10 for $200 per seat.
-A bottle of champagne or premium non-alcohol beverage at your table.
-Extra VIP menu items or premium event gifts (will vary from one Signature Event to the next).  Derby Day Underwriter VIPSs will receive handsomely engraved mint julep cups (limited quantity - first 148 VIPs!)
-Exclusive invitation to the Derby Day Afterparty at the Hotel Elkhart
High Note Bar for additional desserts and music featuring solo guitarist Rafael Chávez y Moreno. Summer Celebration Cookout and Holiday Lights Night premium event gifts announced at a later date.
-Recognition at event signage, printed materials and on website.
-Annual Ruthmere membership is complimentary.
-Individual VIP Underwriters each receive 4 drink tickets to use any way they wish. Note, bottles of champagne are 5 tickets.

What Signature Event Underwriters support:
-Your $ sponsors the event music and entertainment.
-Your $ sponsors the event catering and bar.
-Your $ sponsors the event decorations and tablescapes.
-Your $ supports Ruthmere's mission!

May 2

Derby Day

Ruthmere Derby Day will be held on Saturday May 2 from 4:30-7:30pm as we again transform the grounds of Ruthmere Mansion into a sprawling estate of activities that’s an odd’s on favorite to win!

Watch live races, take your photo op with Sarge the horse, win prizes, delicious food, mint juleps, fine bourbon auction and more! 

The VIP Derby Afterparty at the Hotel Elkhart High Note Bar is where things really heat up! From 8-11pm enjoy more desserts courtesy of the kitchen at Hotel Elkhart, your first complimentary drink at the cash bar, and the sweet sounds of solo guitarist Rafael Chávez y Moreno!  

Born into a musical family with a Mariachi grandfather and a professional musician father, Rafael began playing guitar in his teens and studied music, business, and technology at Goshen College. A left-handed player who performs on right-handed guitar, he moves fluently between jazz, rock, blues, Latin, and traditional Mexican styles, drawing on deep improvisational sensibilities and a love for rock energy.

August 15

Elkhart Summer Celebration Cookout

Ruthmere's first annual Elkhart Summer Celebration Cookout will be held on Saturday, August 15th from 4-8pm!  Location will be the NEW Beardsley Discovery Center and Havilah Beardsley House site--tour the places where the story of Elkhart began. Biggest, best block party you've ever seen! Grilled fine meats and veggies on site by master chefs from the Galley Catering. Live music by Mr. Z!

December 4

Ruthmere Night at Holiday Lights

Ruthmere is thrilled to announce our second annual Ruthmere Night at Holiday Lights!

During Wellfield's Winter Wonderland lights display, Ruthmere is hosting a private party event at Wellfield's Visitor Center. Join us for music, food, drinks, winter beauty, and heart-warming company!