On the first Saturday in May the world turns its attention to Louisville, Ky., to watch the greatest two minutes in sports - the Kentucky Derby.
The night before the Derby, local and national business leaders, horse industry professionals and celebrities from sports, music, cinema and TV join forces to help raise money for the James Graham Brown Cancer Center.
Last year, more than 1,000 people representing 29 states attended the sold-out Mint Jubilee Gala presented by Southern Wine & Spirits. Of those guests, 57 percent hailed from the Kentucky, Indiana region.
This black-tie event not only features a celebrity red carpet entrance, cocktail reception, gourmet 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.
The Gala benefits the James Graham Brown Cancer Center at the University of Louisville. The Brown Cancer Center provides the highest level of clinical care in the region, access to the latest cancer research, and the resources, education and services our community needs for the prevention and treatment of cancer.
These are exciting times at the Brown Cancer Center. We have made tremendous strides in our knowledge and treatment techniques. The innovative treatments for several types of cancer which were made a reality by the relentless effort of these professional people are certain to have a profound impact the world over. We are determined to eliminate the suffering caused by this most devastating disease and our enthusiasm grows exponentially with each achievement.
The 2009 Mint Jubilee Gala will be held on Friday, May 1 at the Galt House Hotel & Suites Grand Ballroom. This black-tie event features a red carpet entrance, cocktail reception, gourmet dinner, and dancing.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to mingle with celebrities, from film, television, sports and music.
Past Mint Jubilee celebrity guests include:
-Jessica Alba
-Loni Anderson
-Conrad Bachmann
-Backstreet Boys
-Justin Bartha
-Gary Cole
-Carson Daly
-Rick Dees
-Shannon Elizabeth
-John Elway
-Dennis Franz
-Bob Guiney
-Rebecca Budig Guiney
-Greg Grunberg
-Melissa Joan Hart
-Phil Hellmuth
-Raghib "Rocket" Ismail
-Kathryn Joosten
-Christopher McDonald
-Neal McDonough
-Alyssa Milano
-Warren Moon
-Jerry O’Connell
-Bonnie Somerville
-Tori Spelling
-Ruben Studdard
-Jennifer Tilly
-Tanya Tucker
-Uncle Kracker
-Fred Willard
-Chris Young
Individual tickets are $500 per person and various levels of corporate sponsorships are available. Sponsorships are integral to the financial success of the Mint Jubilee Gala in addition to providing a great opportunity for Derby entertaining.
For sponsorship opportunities or individual ticket information please contact Heather Falmen at (502) 562-3153 or heather.falmen@louisville.edu.
