Racing for COMU

The Columbus Museum is delighted to announce its upcoming spring fundraiser, Racing for COMU, on Saturday, May 3, 2025. This special evening will honor the extraordinary contributions of longtime supporters Mason and Mary Lu Lampton, whose commitment to the arts has significantly shaped the cultural landscape of Columbus.

Mason, you brought a rich family history of steeplechasing from Kentucky to our community and established Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens here. You then chose to dedicate the proceeds from that event to support the arts in Columbus, benefiting the Museum and other cultural institutions in the area. What inspired you to do this?

I’ve always had a deep appreciation for steeplechasing and the arts. Growing up in Kentucky, I was fortunate to be surrounded by an equine enthusiast family. My grandfather was Master of the Hillsboro Hounds and created the Iroquois Steeplechase. It was something that shaped my both the excitement of the race and the shared appreciation of history and culture. After graduating from Vanderbilt University, I joined the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Moore, where I met Mary Lu. After living in Louisville, Kentucky, we returned to Columbus in 1977, and I saw an opportunity to merge my passions. Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens became a way to celebrate tradition while supporting the arts, ensuring their continued growth and impact in our community for years to come.

You are both supporters of the arts here in town. What do the arts mean to a community? Why is it important to highlight and showcase the rich history of Columbus?

It is important to support the arts because they celebrate the rich history and culture of the Chattahoochee Valley area and beyond. By highlighting issues we all share, the arts bring understanding and unity to the diverse groups of people living here. They attract tourists to our area and en- courage new people and businesses to move to Columbus. The Columbus Museum not only showcases our history but also educates our population in the world of fine arts. The arts are an invaluable part of the fabric of our community and deserve everyone’s support.

Mary Lu, as a former Board President and longtime Trustee, what has been the most fulfilling part of your involvement with the Museum? Why do you believe it’s important for others to support and engage in the Museum as well?

My involvement with the Museum began in 1977 when Mason and I moved back to Columbus. I immediately joined the Museum’s Guild. I volunteered with the guild and was active in many fundraisers, which led to friendships with a wide variety of people. As a longtime Board Member and Board President, I’ve had the pleasure of serving on almost all the committees, which has been an ever-expanding education for me. Through the Collections Committee, I have been exposed to a wide variety of art. It has given me a greater appreciation for areas of art and culture I knew little about. I’ve enjoyed being involved with the Museum, watching it grow and expand. The people I’ve worked with and the organization itself have broadened my horizons and brought me great satisfaction and joy in what we’ve achieved working together.

What do you both think of the reimagined Museum?

With the Reimagining Campaign, the Museum moved into the 21st century showcasing an already magnificent collection in a modern, viewer-friendly, interactive way. We are so proud and appreciative of all those who made this transition possible.

Racing For Comu

Saturday, May 3, 2025 // 5:30 - 9:30 PM*

(*Derby runs at 6:45, arrive in time to place your bets!)

Members $125 per person/Non-Members $150 per person*

*Includes an annual Individual Level Museum Membership

Experience the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby with an evening of Betting, Bourbon, Dining, and Live Music.