A peekat the menu for “A Night at the Derby” is a taste of the way chefs from nearly a dozen area restaurants will present the flavor of the famous horse race. A prize-studded auction and derby decor are more attractions of the event May 1 at The Mainland at Holiday Inn, Manahawkin.

But it’s also the cause that has brought people out for 24 years now- the themed gourmet gala has raised more than $1 million for food pantries serving Southern Ocean County.