The sixth annual Ferdinand’s Ball gala will kick off the Derby party season this year on Thursday, April 30. For the first time, Ferdinand’s Ball will serve as a joint fund-raiser for the gala’s venue, the Muhammad Ali Center, and Old Friends Equine Retirement Facility. This is the event’s third year at the Ali Center and the sixth year supporting Old Friends. 

The Ali Center, 144 N. Sixth St., is a multicultural center with an award-winning museum experience that is dedicated to the life and legacy of Muhammad Ali. Old Friends is a nonprofit Georgetown, Ky., facility that rescues retired racehorses from neglect, abuse and slaughter, offering them a peaceful final chapter to their lives while educating the public about their remarkable stories. A portion of the proceeds from the 2015 Ferdinand’s Ball will go to the Ali Center, with the majority going to Old Friends. 

New this year, the red carpet, semi-formal gala will begin with an exclusive VIP dinner at 7 p.m.Guests will enjoy a gourmet meal with celebrities, community leaders and select media, catered by Masterson’s. This portion of the event will also feature a silent auction, open bar and live entertainment by the Louisville-based, all-female folk trio, Southern Sirens. VIP tickets also include access to the After Party —“Party for the People”— which begins at 9 p.m. and includes an open bar, dessert by Spotz Gelato, entertainment/dancing by DJ Q, the “strolling magic” of nationally recognized magician Richard Darshwood, photos with Magnolia Photo Booth and more.

Ferdinand’s Ball was founded by sisters and community volunteers Kim Boyle and Aimee Boyle Wulfeck, in honor of Ferdinand, the 1986 Kentucky Derby Winner and 1987 Horse of the Year. After making millions in the races, Ferdinand was sent to stud in Japan and, following his stud career, ended up in a slaughterhouse, which spurred an international outcry. 

“Ferdinand’s Ball has been proud supporters of Old Friends for the past six years,” said Kim Boyle, owner of Barkstown Road in the Highlands. “This year, we are excited to expand our event to also raise money for the Muhammad Ali Center. The Center has been such a great venue for us. We felt it was time for us to strengthen our partnership and throw some of our support behind this amazing asset to Louisville.”

“Having the opportunity to be part of a Derby event that raises funds for a compassionate cause is very gratifying,” said Donald Lassere, President and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center. “All athletes, no matter the sport, deserve to live out their lives with respect. We also feel fortunate to be partnering on Ferdinand’s Ball because the event is affordable for young people, who can come out, have a great time, and support two great charitable organizations.” 

Ferdinand’s Ball draws 600 guests and garners support from celebrities, notable sports figures and local legislators as well as local and national news media. Past hosts have included Peyton Siva, point guard for the 2013 University of Louisville championship team, and Hollywood’s Maria Menounos, Kate Upton and Brandi Glanville. This year, celebrities and special guests will include recording artists, actors, locally and nationally recognized NBA and former NCAA basketball players, along with other professional athletes, Derby and Oaks-winning jockeys and horse owners, and local and national sports media personalities. The full guest list will be announced soon! 
A limited number of tickets will be sold for the exclusive VIP dinner hour with full access to the After Party at a cost of $500. Individual tickets for the “Party for the People” are only $150. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.ferdinandsball.com.
Ferdinand’s Ball tickets are also offered as part of an elite Prime Sport Derby package,www.sportstravel.com.