Set for Saturday, Oct. 17 at the world-renowned Valhalla Golf Club outside Louisville, the Rivalry Gala promises to be the fundraising event of the year in the Commonwealth. “Kentucky and Louisville fans battle it out on the football field, basketball court, in sports bars, and living rooms across the state. The Rivalry Gala gives them a new venue and charitable reason for supporting not only their teams, but, more importantly, ending cancer,” says Rivalry Gala Chairperson Scott Dingle. “As we come together to party for a cause, the American Cancer Society will continue to save lives and create more birthdays by helping people to stay well & get well, find cures, and fight back against a disease that has taken too many lives.”

The Rivalry Gala will be a one-of-a-kind evening with a limit of 100 seats. Celebrity Chef Edward Lee will prepare an exclusive three-course meal, will greet guests as well as present the dinner. Chef Lee is an award-winning, nationally recognized chef. He was the featured chef on Season 3 of “The Mind of a Chef” on PBS. In 2010, he defeated Chef Jose Garces on “Iron Chef America” and Chef Lee was a fan favorite on “Top Chef Texas” Season 9. He also self-authored the cookbook, “Smoke & Pickles” and created Louisville’s 610 Magnolia, Milkwood and The Wine Studio.

In addition to Chef Lee’s involvement, there will be red and blue carpets for photo opps, a formal presentation of the American Cancer Society honorees, live & silent auctions, tethered hot-air balloon rides, an after-party with band “Familiar Faces”, and local celebrities. “From the auction bidding to the red and blue bars at the after-party, the rivalry theme will be everywhere. To add to the competitiveness, a tally will keep track throughout the evening of who is raising the most - blue or red fans - for the American Cancer Society,” adds Dingle.