2023 Event Recap
In the News
Press Releases
Madison Avenue Derby 2024 Date & Beneficiary Announced Thursday, May 9, 2024 (DECATUR, GA) -- The Madison Avenue Community Fund announced Saturday, October 12, 2024, as the date for the 13th Annual Madison Avenue Derby and ReMerge’s Giving Grace program as the 2024 beneficiary. The Derby has become one of Decatur’s most iconic events with creatively-themed, gravity-powered, “soapbox derby” style cars vying for the fastest times or one of the coveted superlative awards, including “most creative” and “best craftsmanship.” Each year, the Madison Avenue Community Fund, the non-profit organization behind the event, selects a local non-profit focused on serving the needs of children to support with the the money raised from the event. ReMerge, the 2024 recipient, has a mission of building communities of peace by accelerating belonging and flourishing in Metro Atlanta, serving over 2,700 people in 2023. ReMerge’s Giving Grace program is focused on fighting hunger in 2024, with a special fund for Decatur area families who are in need of help with food. The program also assists with rent and utilities, as funding allows. Christy Betz of ReMerge said, “The Giving Grace network serves vulnerable persons that have acute needs which threaten them with displacement and the loss of meaningful connections. Our goal is to ensure they can maintain a healthy, secure presence in the community to give them the best chance of success moving forward.” Betz continues, “Our efforts are geared toward single-parent families, persons experiencing homelessness, and the extremely poor. We provide food for families in the Decatur area who are food insecure. We are able to send groceries to a family for approximately $100 a week, and every week we have approximately 20 families that request help with food in the Decatur area.” The Derby is currently accepting sponsorships of the event, and early bird race registration is now open. For more information, visit madaverderby.org, sign up at madavederby.org/email-signup for updates and via @MadAveDerby on social. To learn more about ReMerge’s Giving Grace initiative, visit remerge.org/giving-grace.
Madison Avenue Derby This Weekend! October 18, 2023 (DECATUR, GA) -- The 12th annual Madison Avenue Derby is this Saturday, October 21st, 2023. One of Decatur’s most iconic neighborhood events, the race features creatively-themed, gravity-powered, “soapbox derby” style cars racing down Madison Avenue, providing an afternoon of family-friendly fun! The event is open to the public and free to come watch. For first time attendees, expect a parade-style event with spectators watching from the sidelines. Derby cars will be on display beginning at noon, followed by racing “heats” beginning at 1:00pm Food & beverage vendors open at 11:30am, including Oakhurst Market and the beloved Derby bake sale and merch booth. In its 12th year, the event has raised over $300,000 in its first eleven years through local business sponsorships, participation by racers, and community giving for local non-profit organizations serving the needs of children. The 2023 event beneficiary is Urban Recipe, an organization that addresses food insecurity and helps to build community among under-resourced individuals and families in metro Atlanta. For details on the event schedule or making a donation, visit madavederby.org. To learn more about this year’s beneficiary, visit urbanrecipe.org.
Madison Avenue Derby Driver Registration Ending Soon! Limited driver registrations available; this year’s event proceeds benefit Urban Recipe September 27, 2023 (DECATUR, GA) -- The 12th annual Madison Avenue Derby, slated for Saturday, October 21, 2023, continues to accept driver registrations until October 5th or until spots sell out. One of Decatur’s most iconic neighborhood events, the race features creatively-themed, gravity-powered, “soapbox derby” style cars racing down Madison Avenue, providing an afternoon of family-friendly fun! In its 12th year, the event has raised over $300,000 in its first eleven years through local business sponsorships, participation by racers, and community giving for local non-profit organizations serving the needs of children. The 2023 event beneficiary is Urban Recipe, an organization that addresses food insecurity and helps to build community among under-resourced individuals and families in metro Atlanta. The event is open to the public and free to come watch. Derby cars will be on display beginning at noon, followed by racing “heats” beginning at 1:00pm Food & beverage vendors open at 11:30am, including Oakhurst Market and the beloved Derby bake sale and merch booth. This year also debuts an exclusive new Derby t-shirt courtesy of Fun with Robots Design Co.’s Brian Manley. T-shirts are available for pre-order through October 4th, with a limited number available for purchase at the event. For details on the event schedule, making a donation, signing on as an event sponsor, competing in the derby, volunteering or pre-ordering a t-shirt, visit madavederby.org. To learn more about this year’s beneficiary, visit urbanrecipe.org.