It was all about the Southern Hospitality and philanthropy at the 4^th annual Unbridled Eve Derby Prelude Party, a Hollywood kickoff to the Kentucky Derby.   Set on the rooftop pool deck at The London West Hollywood, the invitation only cocktail party combined all of the best Kentucky Derby and Bluegrass traditions – fine Bourbon and signature Mint Julep cocktails, Derby pie from Kern’s Kitchen, hats and fascinators and music from Louisville, Kentucky native and Dreamgirls actor, Keith Robinson.

For the third year, the Prelude Party benefited Blessings in a Backpack, a 501 C (3) non-profit organization currently feeding nearly 62,000 children in 437 schools in 42 U.S. states and three countries – Canada, Columbia and Haiti. The unique program is designed to feed elementary school children whose families qualify for the federal Free and Reduced Price Meal program, and have little to no food on the weekends.

The January 10^th annual Unbridled Eve Derby Prelude Party is presented by Derby hostesses- The York Sisters- Tonya York Dees and Tammy York Day, featured a packed red carpet with actors from both film and television as well as acclaimed jockeys, athletes and musicians.   Celebrities included:  Colin Egglesfield, Gene Simmons & Shannon Tweed, Kate Flannery, Jason London, Cris Judd, Anthony Anderson, Quinton Aaron, Keith Robinson, Omar Benson Miller, Hank Baskett, Aldis Hodge, Edwin Hodge, Natalie Cole, Glynn Turman, D.B. Sweeney, Warren Moon, Bob Guiney, Jenni Pulos, Florence Henderson, Soulja Boy and more. Award winning jockeys and Derby enthusiasts included: Mario Gutierrez (2012 Kentucky Derby winning jockey), Gary Stevens (three time Kentucky Derby winner), Victor Espinoza (2002 Kentucky Derby winning jockey), Craig Fravel (CEO, Breeders Cup), Jose Valdivia (current Santa Anita jockey), Julie Krone (Hall of Fame jockey), Chantal Sutherland (actress and retired jockey), David Flores (Santa Anita jockey), Alex Bisono (jockey), Luis Jauregui (retired jockey) and Bob Elliston (COO, Breeders Cup), and more.

In addition to the delicious food, which was provided by Gordon Ramsey at the London West Hollywood, guests also enjoyed a silent auction featuring premiere tickets to attend the 139^th Kentucky Derby, a custom made leather jacket from Kaptain Leather Designs, diamond men’s watch and tickets to attend the final round of the Masters golf tournament.

The Los Angeles Derby Prelude Party is presented by Derby hostesses – The York Sisters – Tonya York Dees and Tammy York Day and presenting sponsor, Humana Vitality.  Premiere sponsors include Pacific Wine and Spirits, Alex and Ani, Churchill Downs, Delta Dental, The London West Hollywood and Red7e.  Special thanks to Barry Wooley Designs, Don Camp, Contraband Hats, Kenny Coplan, G. Anthony Huser, Jr., Galt House Hotel & Suites, Troy Hanson, Style Icon, LLC, York Management and Yum! Brands, Inc.

Kentucky Derby Tours looks forward to the Unbridled Eve Gala on Friday, May 3^rd in Louisville, KY at the Galt House Hotel & Suites. See our blog about the 2012 event at https://kentuckyderbytours.com/blog/2012/04/28/2012-kentucky-derby-eve-parties-and-events-on-may-4th/