A Night of Mystery, Merriment, and Meaning Sandy’s Cares Hosts an Unforgettable Event Benefiting Habitat for Humanity

A Night of Mystery, Merriment, and Meaning

Sandy’s Cares Hosts an Unforgettable Event Benefiting Habitat for Humanity

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

The stakes have never been higher at Sandy Ridge. Picture a glamorous summer evening where the Mint Juleps are flowing, smooth jazz fills the air, and guests gather at the exclusive Finish Line Club for a prestigious final race. The excitement is at its peak—until a shocking discovery changes everything.

A crime has been committed, and before the starting gate can open, the mystery must be solved.

This summer, guests are invited to step into the role of detective during an unforgettable Murder Mystery Dinner hosted by Sandy’s Cares, with all proceeds benefiting Habitat for Humanity and its mission of helping families build strength, stability, and independence through affordable housing.

The event combines the thrill of live entertainment, the elegance of a Derby-inspired evening, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community.

Introducing Sandy’s Cares: Racing Toward a Greater Purpose

Earlier this year, Sandy’s Racing officially received its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, creating Sandy’s Cares—a charitable organization dedicated to expanding the company’s community involvement and supporting important causes throughout the Tri-State area.

According to Jennifer Goodwin, Facility Manager and Gaming Manager at Sandy’s Racing, the idea for Sandy’s Cares grew from years of working behind the scenes to support charitable events and partnerships.

“For the past two years, my direct manager and I have been over the charity events and partnerships here at Sandy’s,” Goodwin shared. “We realized there was a greater need and that we could expand on what we were already doing. That’s how Sandy’s Cares was created.”

Through events like this one, Sandy’s Cares hopes to bring people together for memorable experiences while supporting organizations making a real difference in the lives of others.

Supporting Habitat for Humanity: Building More Than Homes

For this inaugural fundraising partnership, Sandy’s Cares selected Habitat for Humanity—a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families achieve safe, affordable housing.

Habitat for Humanity works alongside families who apply and qualify for assistance, helping them obtain homes through a process designed to provide long-term stability and opportunity. Through construction projects, community partnerships, and volunteer efforts, Habitat continues to help individuals and families create a place they can proudly call home.

“Habitat for Humanity is a great nonprofit,” Goodwin said. “They’re constantly helping people in need find homes and get placement. They’re always building, helping, and doing things like that.”

Amy McCallister Ethel, Resource Development Manager for Habitat for Humanity, explained that the organization’s work extends beyond home construction. Habitat also operates ReStores, which help fund its mission while providing affordable household goods and materials to the community.

Habitat for Humanity operates a ReStore in Huntington on 3rd Avenue and another in New Boston. Their donation trucks run six days a week, collecting items that help support the organization’s ongoing efforts.

Every dollar raised from this event will go directly toward Habitat for Humanity’s work of creating housing opportunities and strengthening communities.

A Murder Mystery Like No Other

The evening’s entertainment will be provided by Murder and Merriment, an experienced murder mystery company known for creating interactive, theatrical experiences that keep guests engaged from beginning to end.

Their signature performance will bring the excitement of horse racing into the heart of the mystery.

Set against the backdrop of Sandy Ridge, guests will become amateur detectives trying to uncover the truth before the final bell tolls.

Throughout a luxurious, multi-course dinner, attendees will have the chance to: Examine the evidence: Study the Race Program, blood-splattered gold coins, and mysterious handwritten clues.

Interrogate the suspects: Question colorful characters including shady stable hands, ambitious owners, a glamorous grieving widow, and a smooth-talking bookie.

Uncover the conspiracy: Determine whether the crime was caused by a gambling debt, a family rivalry, or a much darker secret.

With every clue revealed and every conversation holding a possible answer, guests will be immersed in a night of suspense, laughter, and unforgettable entertainment.

Dress to Impress: Trackside Glamour Encouraged

Guests are invited to embrace the golden age of racing with a 1920s Derby-inspired look. While costumes are not required, the evening provides the perfect opportunity to bring out your most stylish trackside attire.

Think “Peaky Blinders” meets “The Great Gatsby” at the finish line.

For gentlemen, consider:

Fedoras or newsboy caps

Suspenders

Seersucker or tweed suits

Classic Derby-inspired styles

For ladies, consider:

Fascinators

Cloche hats

Drop-waist dresses

Pearls and vintage-inspired accessories

Traditional Derby attire or business casual is also welcome. Whether you arrive in a three-piece suit, a modern blazer, or your favorite elegant outfit, guests are encouraged to dress to impress—and “dress to kill” (metaphorically, of course).

Exciting Auction Items Add Even More Fun

In addition to the mystery, guests will have the opportunity to bid on a variety of exciting auction items. With incredible entertainment, delicious food, exciting auction opportunities, and the chance to support a meaningful cause, this event promises to be a night unlike any other.

Join Sandy’s Cares on Friday, July 31, at 6:00 p.m. for an evening where every laugh, every clue, and every ticket purchased helps build a brighter future for families in need. Tickets can be purchased by scanning the QR code.

Come for the mystery. Stay for the memories. Leave knowing you helped make a difference.