Parties with Purpose

Let Us Entertain You!

The robust Kentucky Derby celebrity scene would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of several organizations and individuals that devote months of time and effort in planning the numerous black-tie galas, VIP receptions and after-hours parties that attract celebrities to Kentucky Derby weekend in Louisville. Many of these events are important annual fundraisers for worthy causes such as diabetes and cancer research, youth charities and a myriad of initiatives supported by local foundations and nonprofit organizations.

Churchill Downs extends its sincere admiration and thanks to the stellar individuals behind these star-studded events who are tremendous ambassadors for our city and its signature event -- and who truly add the “sparkle” to the Kentucky Derby experience!

Taste of Derby

Date: Thursday, May 3, 2011
Location: Louisville Executive Aviation Hangar at Bowman Field

Kick off your Kentucky Derby weekend in style at the third annual Taste of Derby, a celebration of cuisine, racing and style where you will mingle with horseracing celebrities and experience an evening of exquisite cuisine from popular horseracing destinations across the country as nationally renowned chefs from these cities serve samples of their signature dishes paired with delectable wines!  Live entertainment by Burning Las Vegas  will top off the extraordinary evening and partial proceeds will benefit hunger relief organizations.

• Red Carpet Entry at 7 p.m.
• Food & Wine Tastings until 10 p.m.
• Premium Open Bar until 11 p.m. 
• Cocktail Party Attire
• Complimentary Valet Service

Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

Barnstable Brown Party

For more than two decades, some of the brightest stars from the worlds of film, television, music, fashion and sports have celebrated the night before the “Run for the Roses” at Louisville’s quintessential Derby Eve party – the Barnstable Brown Party.

Truly a family affair, the Barnstable Brown gala is co-hosted by twin sisters – and famed Doublemint twins – Patricia (“Tricia”) Barnstable Brown and Priscilla (“Cyb”) Barnstable, their mother, Wilma (“Willie”) Barnstable, and Tricia’s son, Chris Brown. The black-tie gala raises money for programs supporting diabetes research, treatment and education at the sisters’ alma mater, the University of Kentucky. Diabetes claimed the life of Tricia’s husband, Dr. David Brown, and the glamorous Derby Eve event is still held at the posh home Tricia and her late husband shared in Louisville’s beloved Highlands neighborhood.

The Barnstable family has hosted hundreds of Hollywood luminaries over the decades, including many guests who help entertain the crowd through live (and sometimes spontaneous) musical performances. Here’s a look at some of the VIP guests who have attended:

• Paris Hilton and Doug Reinhardt
• Brooke Shields
• Danica Patrick
• Boyz II Men
• Tom Brady
• Eli Manning
• Kid Rock
• Nick Lachey
• Darryl “DMC” McDaniels
• Travis Tritt
• Gretchen Wilson
• Lee Ann Womack

The Derby Eve Barnstable Brown Party will celebrate its 24rd renewal on Friday, May 4, 2012. For information on tickets and sponsorship opportunities, contact Willie Barnstable at (502) 491-6778.

The Julep

The night before the Derby, local and national business leaders, horse industry professionals and celebrities from sports, music, cinema and television join forces to help raise money for the James Graham Brown Cancer Center through a star-studded event called The Julep (formerly named “The Julep Ball”).

In 2011, more than 1,000 people from across the country attended the sold-out event. This black-tie event not only features a celebrity red carpet entrance, cocktail reception, exquisite dinner, and dancing, but also deluxe specialty bars, live and silent auction and keepsake photos. Past auction items include: tickets to the Emmy Awards, game tickets in the L.A. Lakers Owner’s Suite, poker game with Phil Hellmuth, Masters golf tournament and World Series tickets. Julep Ball guests have the chance to mix and mingle with dozens of Hollywood celebrities and other VIPs.

Past celebrity guests include:

• Marg Helgenberger ("CSI")
• Valerie Bertinelli ("One Day at a Time," Jenny Craig spokeswoman)
• Evander Holyfield (boxing legend)
• Josh Turner (country music artist)
• Mehki Phifer ("ER")
• Jean Cruguet (1977 Triple Crown winning jockey, Seattle Slew)
• Pat Day (1992 Kentucky Derby winning jockey, Lil E. Tee)
• Nora Roberts (best selling author)
• Joe Piscopo ("Saturday Night Live")
• Fred Willard ("Best in Show," "WALL-E," "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy")
• Greg Grunberg (Matt Parkman NBC's "Heroes")
• Kathryn Joosten (Karen McClusky "Desperate Housewives," Mrs. Landingham "The West Wing")
• Warren Moon (NFL Hall of Fame)
• Phil Hellmuth (11-time World Series of Poker champion)
• Nigel Barker ("America's Next Top Model")
• Bob Guiney ("The Bachelor" and "Date My House")
• Rebecca Budig Guiney ("All My Children")

The 2011 Julep Ball, benefiting the James Graham Brown Cancer Center at the University of Louisville, is scheduled for Friday, May 6, 2011, in the Galt House Hotel & Suites Grand Ballroom.

For 2012 Julep Ball ticket information and to learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit http://www.julepball.org/ 

Race For Grace

It is a fundraiser held every year to benefit the Kentucky Race Track Chaplaincy. A Kentucky Derby staple, this event will be held Monday, April 30, 2012, at Churchill Downs on Millionaires Row. Annual attendees include  Hall of Fame jockey Pat Day, and other notable horse racing personalities.

For more information e-mail raceforgrace@insightbb.com or call (502)366-6860.

Silks in the Bluegrass

Contact Lisa Windhorst at (502) 777-6300 for more information about Silks in the Bluegrass. Entertainment by Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, JR.  

Operation Open Arms was founded to help children who have mothers serving time in prison find families who want to provide a home for the duration of the mother’s jail time. Some of things Operation Open Arms helps with are medical needs, housing, food, and clothing. 

For more information about Operation Open Arms visit http://oparms.org.