Unbridled Eve Derby Gala announces its star-studded Kentucky Derby celebrity guest list

Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal
·10 min read
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Cue the disco ball, stock the bars, dust off your dancing shoes, and let's get ready to party. All the star power, glamour, and glitz that make Kentucky Derby Eve a glorious time to be in Louisville will make a triumphant return Friday, May 6 — and boy is this city ready.

Celebrity galas like the annual Unbridled Eve Derby Gala, held the night after the exciting Kentucky Oaks and the eve of the legendary Kentucky Derby, have rebooted their events in 2022 after the pandemic forced them to cancel in 2020 and 2021.

For a ninth year, Unbridled Eve co-founders Tammy York Day, Tonya York (yes, they're sisters), and their planning committee plan to roll out the red carpet — literally — for celebrities from film, television, music, comedy, and sports, including horse racing industry professionals, and influential national business leaders.

And the celebrity list for the first Unbridled Eve Derby Gala in two years does not disappoint.

Hosts & co-founders Tammy York-Day and Tonya York during the Unbridled Eve Gala 2019. May 3, 2019.
Hosts & co-founders Tammy York-Day and Tonya York during the Unbridled Eve Gala 2019. May 3, 2019.

"We are so excited to have Jennifer Robertson ('Schitt's Creek') coming to the party. So is NFL great Franco Harris and Amanda Kloots ('The Talk') is just the nicest person alive. Mario Lopez is thrilled to be coming with his wife for the weekend and Joan Osborne, who grew up near Louisville will be one of several performers," Tonya York recently told the Courier Journal.

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"Of course, we have our Derby regulars who will be back like Warren Moon, Bob Guiney, Bonnie-Jill Laflin, John Elefante, and Mike Mills," she added. "We have an entire group who return every year and have become a Derby family."

Speaking of family, actress Melissa Joan Hart ("Sabrina the Teenage Witch" "Melissa & Joey") is also on this year's guest list. Returning to Louisville will be a homecoming of sorts. She met her husband, Mark Wilkerson, the frontman of the rock band Course of Nature at the Kentucky Derby in 2002.

An official Kentucky Derby event, the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala makes its post-COVID-19 return at the Galt House Hotel's Grand Ballroom in downtown Louisville on Friday, May 6 kicking off at 7 p.m. and continuing into the wee hours of Saturday morning.

(L-R) Tucker McFadden Wilkerson, Mark Wilkerson, Braydon Hart Wilkerson, Melissa Joan Hart, and Mason Walter Wilkerson attend the World Premiere of Disney's "RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET" at the El Capitan Theatre on November 5, 2018 in Hollywood, California.
(L-R) Tucker McFadden Wilkerson, Mark Wilkerson, Braydon Hart Wilkerson, Melissa Joan Hart, and Mason Walter Wilkerson attend the World Premiere of Disney's "RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET" at the El Capitan Theatre on November 5, 2018 in Hollywood, California.

The gala decor, created by Millenium Events, transforms the hotel's Grand Ballroom into a wonderland of sparkle and glamour. The Derby Eve party has become known for its elegance and numerous specialty bars sponsored by Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits.

As with any great party, guests shift to the dance floor once the dinner plates are cleared.

Taking the stage for 2022 are the B52's Kate Pierson, REM's Mike Mills, Joan Osborne, The Sugar Hill Gang, John Elefante, former lead singer of the rock band Kansas and others.

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To put on a party of this magnitude, more than 100 volunteers create an event that not only prides itself on spreading Southern hospitality but also raises funding and awareness for numerous charities including its primary beneficiary, Blessings in a Backpack. With more than 1,000 programs in 46 states and Washington, D.C., Blessings in a Backpack provides food on the weekends for school-aged children who might otherwise go hungry.

"Unbridled Eve is an exceptional opportunity to bring awareness to childhood hunger in America and our mission to provide for children," Erin Kerr, CEO of Blessings in a Backpack, told the Courier Journal. "More children are being nourished each weekend because of Unbridled Eve's direct support and connections we've made through this event."

Through the Unbridled Charitable Foundation, Inc., founded by the York Sisters, Blessings in a Backpack and more than a dozen other local charities have benefited from over $4.1 million raised through direct donations and building relationships between corporate partners and beneficiaries since 2012.

Guests this year will bid on some pretty impressive items including a private dinner for 10 at Jeff Ruby’s with NFL Hall of Famer Warren Moon and former ABC "The Bachelor" Bob Guiney. Moon has also donated a private 30-minute quarterback session for one lucky young player.

Also up for bids, several pro sports teams are offering VIP packages including the Kansas City Royals, Carolina Panthers, Tennessee Titans, and the Los Angeles Lakers. There is also a rare autographed art piece with signatures of Kentucky Derby jockeys, trainers, and owners going back 72 years and more.

The party also raises funds through the sale of three bracelets designed by Ronaldo Designer Jewelry based in New Albany, Indiana. The bracelets are sold on the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala website for $99 to $250.

Sponsors for the event include Southern Glazer Wine & Spirits, Cigna, Kathy and Wayne Richards, Churchill Downs, The Nora Roberts Foundation, Accessia Health, The Home Depot, Privado 14 Wine & Cigar Club, Derby City Gaming, Dillards, The Galt House and Barry Wooley Designs.

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As part of the Unbridled Eve family of returning celebrities, longtime attendee and best-selling author Nora Roberts, who unfortunately can't attend the 2022 gala, shared her thoughts on the star-studded party.

"I love this event. It pulses with the energy and excitement that is Derby," she said. "They brilliantly handle the delicate balance of the myriad of details of food, specialty cocktails, music, and charity while making guests feel welcome on a personal basis."

Once the last party guest has gone home, the York sisters take part in a yearly tradition. The duo along with some of the party committee find a spot in the empty Galt House Ballroom, throw off their heels and express gratitude for another successful gala that helps elevate the spirit of the Kentucky Derby and benefits the community of Louisville.

But they don't stay still for long. They've got just a few hours before they're entertaining all over again at Churchill Downs.

Reach Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com or Twitter @kirbylouisville.

Unbridled Eve Derby Gala

WHAT: Held on Derby Eve, this black tie-optional event begins with a cocktail reception featuring specialty bars serving fine wines, champagnes, bourbons, vodkas and custom cocktails provided by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits brand partners. The Unbridled Charitable Foundation, Inc and the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala were founded by Tonya York and Tammy York Day. Their experience in creating world-class non-profit and charity events is vast and successful. Hosted by Nick Ferrara, Ben Jackey and Carissa Lawson.

WHEN: Friday, May 6, 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.

WHERE: Galt House Hotel Grand Ballroom, 140 N Fourth St.

TICKETS:

  • Individual tickets start at $500

  • Tables are also available for purchase

MORE INFORMATION: unbridledeve.com

2022 Unbridled Eve Derby Gala celebrity list

Actors and Celebrities

Musicians and performers

  • Kate Pierson: Grammy nominee and lead singer of the new age band B-52’s

  • Joan Osborne: Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and native of Anchorage, Kentucky

  • The Sugar Hill Gang: American Hip Hop trio and members of the Grammy Hall of Fame. Known for the first-ever rap single to hit the top 40 with “Rapper's Delight"

  • Mike Mills: Multi-Grammy winner and co-founder and co-lead singer of the iconic rock band R.E.M.

  • John Elefante: Grammy winner and former lead singer for the rock band Kansas

  • Johnny Edwards: Former lead singer Foreigner

  • The Louisville Crashers

  • J.D. Shelburne

  • Ariel Houston

  • DJ Second Nature

  • Linkin' Bridge

Athletes and Sports VIPs

Jockeys and Kentucky Derby winners

  • Jean Cruguet: 1977 Triple Crown Winner on Seattle Slew, Kentucky Derby winner 1997, Preakness Winner 1977, Belmont Stakes Winner 1987

  • Michael Manganello: Kentucky Derby winner onboard Dust Commander

  • Shane Sellers: Retired jockey. Rode the Kentucky Derby for 14 consecutive years

  • Rafael Bejarano: Will ride "Happy Jack" in the 148th Kentucky Derby

  • Reylu Gutierrez: Will ride "Barber Road" in the 148th Kentucky Derby and "Hidden Connection" in the Kentucky Oaks

  • Sophie Doyle: Female jockey

  • Jeff Johnston: Former jockey and Regional Manager at The Jockey's Guild

  • Sandy Hawley: Former jockey

Other Notables

Miss Kentucky and Kentucky Derby Festival Royalty

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Who is going to Unbridled Eve Derby Gala? See the celebrity guest list