Best Buddies hits the races for an Ascot-themed daytime soiree

Date June 16, 2015

Thanks to Britain’s Royal Ascot, racehorses and hats go together like tea and scones.

So many guests turned up at Woodbine Racetrack this Saturday in tulle-trimmed straws and feathered fascinators for Thrill of Ascot, the annual fundraiser for Best Buddies Canada, a school program pairing intellectually disabled young people with a friend (in many cases, he or she is the disabled person’s only friend).

Through the tear-jerking testimonials shared during the event’s luncheon, blooms like the gigantic peony worn by Lilliput Hats milliner Karyn Gingras shone through as distinct signs of springtime.“This was a runway piece that wasn’t even for sale,” said guest Grace Tevlin, who found her raffia scarecrow style at Moncler’s L.A boutique.

Tevlin’s daughter Madison is the 12-year-old with Down Syndrome whose version of John Legend’s “All of Me” earned more than 7 million Youtube views since its release earlier this year. And just this week, Madison appeared on Good Morning America with Cody Simpson and Marc Roberge of the band O.A.R. to release an anthem for this summer’s World Special Olympics. Coca-Cola will give a dollar to the Special Olympics every time their video is shared. Thrills all around.