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Unbridled Eve Derby Gala returns with star power and charity focus
May 2, 2026
By AI, Created 11:34 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – The 13th annual Unbridled Eve Derby Gala in Louisville is set to bring film, TV, music, sports and business figures together for an Official Kentucky Derby Event on May 1, 2026. The gala also raises money for Blessings in a Backpack and more than a dozen other nonprofits.
Why it matters: - The Unbridled Eve Derby Gala blends Kentucky Derby-pageant prestige with fundraising for children and other nonprofits. - Blessings in a Backpack is a 13-time beneficiary, with proceeds supporting weekend food backpacks for elementary school students facing hunger. - A portion of gala proceeds will also go to more than a dozen other nonprofit organizations.
What happened: - The 13th annual Unbridled Eve Derby Gala is taking place in Louisville, Kentucky, on May 1, 2026. - The event is billed as an Official Kentucky Derby Event. - The gala draws business leaders, horse racing industry professionals, and celebrities from film, television, music, comedy and sports. - The Unbridled Charitable Foundation, Inc. and Unbridled Eve were founded by Tonya York and Tammy York-Day.
The details: - The gala program includes musical performances by Phillip Phillips, Richie Sambora, Sugarhill Gang, Elliot Lurie, Orianthi, Lorrie Morgan, Skip Martin, Johnny Edwards, The Crashers and DJ 2nd Nature. - The event also includes an All-Star Jam featuring Layla Spring, JD Shelburne, Bob Guiney, John Schneider, Alyssa & Wayne Brewer and China Lacy. - Holy Spirit School Youth Choir serves as the welcome choir. - Sports guests include Warren Moon, Zach Randolph, Harry Douglas, Michael Eaves, Bonnie-Jill Laflin, Aron Haddad, Jeff Brohm, MacKenly Randolph, Mario Urrutia, Amobi Okoye, Valerie Combs, Luke Hancock, Jean Cruguet, Mike Smith, Chris Elliott, Edwin Maldonado, Michael Manganello, Sandy Hawley, Kaoru Tsuchiya Hawley, Tuff Hedeman and Anthony Michael Russo. - Other celebrity and VIP guests include Anthony Ramos, Gina Torres, Nappy Roots, Andrea Canning, Griffin Johnson, Melissa Joan Hart, Danica McKellar, Nora Roberts, Cassie Donegan, Leslie Grace, Amanda Christine, Rob Angel, Dee Dee Schneider, Dallas McGarity, David Domine, Nicolee Burks, Dr. Ajmal Zemmar, Holly Lynnea, Vince Emmett, Tom Mabe, The McFarlands, Chris Blandford, Ethan the Dog, Heather French Henry, Mailyn Marsh, Tyler Robertson, Ankita Nair and Ariana Rodriguez. - Getty Red Carpet Select Images are being updated throughout the gala, with credit to Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images.
Between the lines: - The guest list mixes Derby-connected names, entertainers and local Kentucky figures, which reinforces the gala’s dual identity as both a social event and a regional showcase. - The charity lineup suggests the event is designed to use celebrity attention to drive donations rather than function only as an entertainment party.
What’s next: - Gala coverage and red carpet images are expected to continue updating throughout the event. - The proceeds from the 2026 gala will be distributed to Blessings in a Backpack and additional nonprofit partners.
The bottom line: - Unbridled Eve is using Kentucky Derby week visibility to pair celebrity draw with a broad charitable footprint.
Disclaimer: This article was produced by AGP Wire with the assistance of artificial intelligence based on original source content and has been refined to improve clarity, structure, and readability. This content is provided on an “as is” basis. While care has been taken in its preparation, it may contain inaccuracies or omissions, and readers should consult the original source and independently verify key information where appropriate. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, investment, or other professional advice.
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