The Unbridled Eve Derby Prelude Party! Jason Patric! Isaiah Washington! Kate Flannery! Willie Garson! And More!

The Unbridled Eve Derby Prelude Party took place in West Hollywood and several stars were in attendance… A little bit of Louisville here in Los Angeles! It’s always nice to give a little shout out to my second home.
Check out all the info below and the photos from the event which looked amazing!

For more information about the Derby Prelude Party and Unbridled Eve please visit: www.unbridledeve.com/

Once a year, Hollywood joins forces with true Southern hospitality to celebrate the spirit of the Kentucky Derby for a night of philanthropy, wining and dining atop The London West Hollywood for the annual Unbridled Eve Derby Prelude Party. The invitation-only event serves as a kickoff to the Kentucky Derby, which takes place on the first Saturday in May at the famous Churchill Downs in Louisville, and the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala.
 
For the fourth year, proceeds from the Prelude Party benefitted Blessings in a Backpack, a 501 C (3) non-profit organization that currently feeds nearly 63,000 children in 583 schools in 45 U.S. states. The unique program feeds a child in the program for an entire year for only $100, providing support for elementary school children whose families qualify for the federal Free and Reduced Price Meal program and who have minimal food on weekends. The program’s success has been measured in better test scores, improved reading skills, positive behavior, improved health and increased school attendance.
 
The Unbridled Eve Derby Prelude Party was founded and is presented by sisters Tonya York Dees and Tammy York Day with Presenting Sponsor Humana Vitality. The event’s celebrity-packed red carpet featured actors from both film and television, as well as acclaimed jockeys, athletes and musicians.  Celebrities included:  Taye Diggs, Jason Patric, Isaiah Washington, Kate Flannery, Terrell Tilford, Glynn Turman, Tony Denison, Arden Myrin, William Mapother, Willie Garson, Anthony Anderson, Quinton Aaron, Judd Nelson, Patrika Darbo, Kevin Davitian, Aldis Hodge, Edwin Hodge, Warren Moon, Lamorne Morris, Roger Cross, Ajay Mehta, Jenni Pulos, Doris Roberts, Christopher Rich,  and more. Award-winning jockeys and Derby enthusiasts included: Gary Stevens, three-time Kentucky Derby winner (1988,1995, 1997), Mike Smith (2005 KY Derby winner and 2013 KY Oaks winning jockey),  Victor Espinoza (2002 KY Derby winning jockey), Peter Rotondo Sr. (Esquire’s “Horseplayers”) and his son Peter Rotondo (VP of Breeder’s Cup/Esquire’s “Horseplayers”) .
 
In addition to delicious food, provided by Gordon Ramsey at the London West Hollywood, fine bourbon, featuring Mint Juleps and a bourbon tasting presented by Hollis Bulleit and her family’s Bulleit Bourbon, guests also had the opportunity to taste traditional Derby Pie shipped in from Kerns Kitchen and sweet treats from Swirls Cupcakes.  Of course, there were plenty of hats and fascinators to admire along with music by celebrity DJ B-Hen and a performance by singer/songwriter, Casey Jamerson, including Stephen C. Foster’s “My Old Kentucky Home.”
 
Guests crowded the silent auction to place their bids on great offerings such as premiere tickets to attend The 140th Kentucky Derby, 2014 Masters package, 2014 PGA championship tickets, VIP Lakers package, Connor diamond and gold equestrian jewelry, Chanel jewelry, Rafe’ New York bags, “Catching Fire Hunger Games” poster signed by Jennifer Lawrence, and the opportunity through Blessings in a Backpack to sponsor a student from Normandie Elementary School in Los Angeles for one year for $100. 


The party is made possible by Presenting sponsor, Humana Vitality along with premiere sponsors including Pacific Wine and Spirits, Churchill Downs, Renaissance Dental, Code Blue Photo Booth, the London West Hollywood and Red7e.  Special thanks to Barry Wooley Designs, Bella Vita Media, Bob Schneider/Morgan Stanley, Don Camp, Kenny Coplan, G Anthony Huser, Jr., Galt house Hotel & Suites, Justine Reiss, Linda Thompson, Style Icon, LLC., Troy Hanson, York Management and Yum! Brands, Inc.
 
The Unbridled Eve Gala will be held on Friday, May 2 the Galt House Hotel & Suites in Louisville. The 140th Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday, May 3, 2014.

Photo Credit: Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images