These boots were made for raising funds to support Kentucky’s kids
LEXINGTON, KY. (April 14, 2024) — It’s time to boot, scoot and boogie to the third annual Blue Jeans, Boots & Bulls Derby Eve Party, a fundraiser to support the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Kentucky Children’s Hospital (KCH).
Hosted by the Barn Door Grill and Bluegrass Stockyards, this event features dinner, live music by Nightflyer and Boogie G, a live auction, silent auction and a Derby Horse Calcutta. KCH is one of three benefiting charities — a place that became a second home to the event’s founder Darren Ripley.
Ripley is committed to making this year’s event even greater than the last. His twin daughters, Maddy and Christina, were born prematurely at just 26 weeks and spent more than three months in the NICU. Now 31, Maddy works in the hospitality and event industry alongside her father, while Christina has established a successful career in New York City, working for a prominent fashion designer.
“We are incredibly grateful to KCH and their amazing staff,” Ripley said. “These organizations play a crucial role in supporting the well-being of our community, especially when it comes to children and the horses that are so important to Central Kentucky. I’ll always be thankful for the exceptional care at KCH, and every day, I’m reminded of that through my two wonderful daughters.”
Jim Akers is the chief operating officer of The Bluegrass Stockyards. His grandson TJ, now age 4, spent the first 280 days of his life in the NICU.
“TJ is truly a blessing for our entire family,” said Akers. “The fact that he is with us and thriving is a direct result of the miracles that are performed daily in the NICU at Kentucky Children’s Hospital.”
The party will be 5:30-11:30 p.m. Friday, May 2, at the Bluegrass Stockyards, 4561 Iron Works Pike in Lexington. Tickets start at $100 and are available online and at the door.
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