STARTING THIS SATURDAY AT 02:30PM. AND ONE SPOT ALONG OUR GULF COAST IS HELPING YOU GET IN ON THAT KENTUCKY DERBY. FUN. IT’S THE SLIP AWAY. FOOD TRUCK PARK RIGHT IN CAPE CORAL. YEAH, NO. ONLY THERE WILL BE TONS OF FOOD OUT THERE AND FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY. BUT IT ALL COMES WITH A PURPOSE. >> OF HELPING FEED CHILDREN RIGHT HERE IN OUR COMMUNITY. AND THAT’S WHERE WE FIND JASON DREW GULF COAST SING LIVE THIS MORNING FROM ALONG CAPE CORAL PARKWAY. JASON, TELL US HOW WE CAN JOIN IN ON ALL THIS EXCITEMENT. >> WE’RE GETTING READY FOR A DERBY DAY RIGHT HERE IN CAPE CORAL, OF COURSE, IS THE 100 52ND KENTUCKY DERBY AT CHURCHILL DOWNS. BUT YOU DON’T HAVE TO GO TO CHURCHILL DOWNS, KNOW YOU CAN COME RIGHT HERE TO THE SLIP AWAY FOR DERBY DAY. THEY’VE GOT A WHOLE BUNCH OF FUN STUFF PLANNED. THEY’RE ALREADY STARTING THE FUN. JAMIE PAGE FROM BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK. GOOD MORNING TO YOU. MORNING AND GOOD MORNING, JAMIE. ARE WE? WE ARE REAL GREAT. I MEAN, WATCHING THE SUNRISE HERE THIS MORNING. AND THAT WAS AMAZING. AND YOU GUYS ARE GOING TO HAVE SO MUCH FUN TOMORROW RIGHT HERE. ONE OF MANY PLACES EVERY IS HAVING A PARTY. BUT WHAT DO YOU GUYS HAVE PLANNED? SO FOR DERBY DAY THIS SATURDAY, WE HAVE A WHOLE DAY PLANS. SO WE WANT TO SEE YOU HERE. WHEN WE OPEN AT EVERYTHING STARTS AT 2 AND IT GOES ALL THE WAY. AND SO WE CLOSE AND WE CLOSE. WE ACTUALLY HAVE PARTNERED WITH CAPE CORAL CIGAR BAR. IT’S A HOST OR AFTER PARTY. SO YOU CAN HEAD ON THERE TO SEND SOME MORE DONATIONS OUT FOR THE BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK AND THEN YOU’LL BE ABLE TO WIN SOME PRIZES THAT WE PARTNER WITH AND PROVIDING. YOU’VE GOT A LOT OF GREAT PRIZES WERE IT DIDN’T TALK ABOUT THEM WITH A MINUTE. BUT JUST FIRST, WITHOUT FURTHER ADO, BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK, SUCH A GREAT ORGANIZATION. LET’S WALK UP YOUR SUMMER OUT OF THE SUNSHINE A LITTLE BIT. >> YOU GUYS DO SO MUCH FOR THE KIDS WHEN THEY’RE NOT IN SCHOOL, RIGHT? BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK AND A LOCAL NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION. >> THAT FOCUSES ON BRIDGING THE WEEKEND HUNGER GAP. SO WHAT WE DO IS WE PROVIDE SHELF STABLE KID, FRIENDLY NUTRIENT DENSE FOOD FOR KIDS ON FRIDAY UNTIL THEY GET BACK TO SCHOOL ON MONDAY AND YOU CAN GIVE A DONATION ANYTIME TO BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK TO WRITE. YES, YOU CAN GO TO OUR WEB SITE AT ANY TIME AND YOU CAN GIVE A DONATION BASICALLY WHAT IT COST TO FEED A KID FOR A SCHOOL YEARS. $175 FOR ONE KID FOR ONE SCHOOL YEAR. WOW. SO YOU CAN ALSO COME OUT AND ENJOY A FUN DAY AT THE SLIP AWAY TO GIVE TO THE BACKPACK. BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK, TOO. OKAY. SO LET’S TALK MENU ITEMS. OF COURSE, THE KENTUCKY DERBY. YOU CAN’T HAVE A DERBY WITHOUT A MINT JULEP. IN YOUR YOU CANNOT YOU CANNOT HAVE WITHOUT A MINT JULEP. >> HERE WE HAVE ONE FRESHMAN, ROOF. IT’S LIKE GASOLINE. BUT IT’S GREAT. IT’S STILL AND WHAT IS IS PRETTY PURPLE ONE. SO WE HAVE SLOWLY AND IT IS ONE OF OUR OTHER FEATURE DRINKS THAT YOU CAN COME HERE AT SLIP AWAY AND ENJOY AS WELL. ALL RIGHT. SO TONIGHT, WELL, YOU’VE GOT YOUR GLUE GUN OUT AND YOU’RE MAKING YOUR FANCY FASCINATORS OR YOUR, YOU KNOW YOUR STRAW. HAD THE GUYS ALWAYS GET THE UGLY COSTUMES. BUT YEAH, YOU CAN MAKE THESE IT BECAUSE THERE’S GOING TO BE CONTEST TO SEE WHO IS BEST DRESSED COUPLES. TRESPASS HAD COME OUT WEARING YOUR BEST ATTIRE. WE’RE GOING TO BE GIVEN AWAY PRIZES FOR THE BEST HIGH. THE COUPLES COSTUMES AND EVERYTHING THERE IN PET FRIENDLY PET FRIENDLY, OF COURSE. JUST THAT’S A VERY CUTE. ALRIGHT. WELL, BIG QUESTION. BIG QUESTION. DERBY DERBY DERBY? WHO’S YOUR PICK? RENEGADE ALL THE WAY? IT REALLY ISN’T. THE ONE NAME YOU CAN REMEMBER. LINES CREDIT TO BROWN CAME PAGE AVENUE WHERE YOU THINK YOU’RE GOING TO PICK, I AM GOING TO PICK THE ONE THAT WINS. >> YOU CAN’T FAIL WITH THAT ONE RIGHT THERE. SO YOU CAN PICK YOUR HORSE AND THAT IS GOING TO IF YOU WIN, THAT’S GOING TO GET YOU A FRONT ROW SEAT TO THE 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS RIGHT HERE AT THE SLIP AWAY. THAT’S KIND OF A HUGE SURPRISE. YES, THAT IS OUR 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION IN OUR ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY HERE AT SUPPLE WOW, CONGRATS. I CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S BEEN A YEARS AGO, YEAH, CONGRATULATIONS. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY. JAMIE, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR GETTING UP THIS EARLY WITH US. >> AND ENJOY TOMORROW. HAPPY DERBY DAY. THANKS FOR BEING HERE AND PAIGE, THANK YOU SO MUCH. SO NICE TO HANG OUT WITH YOU THIS MORNING. GOOD LUCK TOMORROW. AND I HOPE I HOPE THE WINNING HORSE WINS. ALL RIGHT, JEREMY DAY RIGHT HERE AT THE SLIP AWAY IN CAPE CORAL. HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND AND DON’T FORGET TO YOU CAN WATCH THE DERBY WHEREVER YOU ARE ON GULF COAST. NBC AND THEY’VE GOT SOME GREAT, BIG SCREENS RIGHT HERE ABOVE THE BAR SLIP AWAY. SO YOU WON’T MISS A THI
‘Gulfcoasting’ Derby Day at Slipaway: Racing for a Cause, benefits Blessings in a Backpack SWFL
Updated: 2:56 PM EDT May 1, 2026
Jason Drew is ‘Gulfcoasting’ into the weekend at Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina, where Derby Day is getting a waterfront twist—and every bit of the excitement is helping support kids right here in Southwest Florida.This year’s celebration, “Derby Day at the Slipaway: Racing for a Cause”, benefits Blessings in a Backpack SWFL, an organization working to ensure local students don’t go hungry over the weekend. Every donation from the day’s charity wagering and blind draws stays in the community. Just $175 feeds one child for an entire school year, providing 152 meals for students across Lee County.Jason was joined by Jamie Van Rinsvelt, Administration Manager at Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina, and Paige Navarro, Chapter Coordinator for Blessings in a Backpack. Together, they shared how the event blends Derby‑day fun with a mission that directly supports families across Southwest Florida.Slipaway is turning the big race into a full‑day community celebration. Guests can enjoy the live broadcast of the Kentucky Derby under the Helm, take part in friendly horse‑picking contests for a chance to win tickets to Slipaway’s 4th of July Bash, and join in on the Best Dressed competitions for individuals and couples. Fascinators, seersucker suits, and creative Derby flair are all encouraged, with fun prizes up for grabs.Adding to the excitement, Slipaway recently welcomed Yunta Espresso, now serving early‑morning breakfast and coffee for guests who want to start Derby Day bright and energized before the festivities begin.Derby Day runs Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., with free admission and first‑come seating. Guests can arrive by land or sea, with 120 parking spots and 27 boat slips available.And for those watching from home, The Kentucky Derby airs on Gulf Coast NBC on Saturday, with coverage beginning at 2:30 p.m.With waterfront views, community spirit, and a mission that makes a real difference, Derby Day at Slipaway proves that the fastest two minutes in sports can fuel something meaningful for local kids.To see a list of all of Slipaway’s events, check out their website at Experience Cape Coral’s Premier Food Truck Park & Marina.Watch the full segment above!DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.
CAPE CORAL, Fla. —
Jason Drew is ‘Gulfcoasting’ into the weekend at Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina, where Derby Day is getting a waterfront twist—and every bit of the excitement is helping support kids right here in Southwest Florida.
This year’s celebration, “Derby Day at the Slipaway: Racing for a Cause”, benefits Blessings in a Backpack SWFL, an organization working to ensure local students don’t go hungry over the weekend. Every donation from the day’s charity wagering and blind draws stays in the community. Just $175 feeds one child for an entire school year, providing 152 meals for students across Lee County.
Jason was joined by Jamie Van Rinsvelt, Administration Manager at Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina, and Paige Navarro, Chapter Coordinator for Blessings in a Backpack. Together, they shared how the event blends Derby‑day fun with a mission that directly supports families across Southwest Florida.
Slipaway is turning the big race into a full‑day community celebration. Guests can enjoy the live broadcast of the Kentucky Derby under the Helm, take part in friendly horse‑picking contests for a chance to win tickets to Slipaway’s 4th of July Bash, and join in on the Best Dressed competitions for individuals and couples. Fascinators, seersucker suits, and creative Derby flair are all encouraged, with fun prizes up for grabs.
Adding to the excitement, Slipaway recently welcomed Yunta Espresso, now serving early‑morning breakfast and coffee for guests who want to start Derby Day bright and energized before the festivities begin.
Derby Day runs Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., with free admission and first‑come seating. Guests can arrive by land or sea, with 120 parking spots and 27 boat slips available.
And for those watching from home, The Kentucky Derby airs on Gulf Coast NBC on Saturday, with coverage beginning at 2:30 p.m.
With waterfront views, community spirit, and a mission that makes a real difference, Derby Day at Slipaway proves that the fastest two minutes in sports can fuel something meaningful for local kids.
To see a list of all of Slipaway’s events, check out their website at Experience Cape Coral’s Premier Food Truck Park & Marina.
Watch the full segment above!
DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.