Louisville, Kentucky, December 27, 2025
The Barnstable Brown Gala, hosted at Louisville’s Barnstable Brown Mansion, gathered a host of celebrities to support diabetes research at the University of Kentucky. Guests included athletes, musicians, and actors, all contributing to the charitable cause. This gala, a staple of the Derby Week festivities, has raised over $21 million for the Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center. The event’s vibrancy was highlighted by live performances from top artists, showcasing the community’s commitment to philanthropy and health initiatives.
Louisville, Kentucky – Celebrities Gather at Barnstable Brown Gala Ahead of 2025 Kentucky Derby
On May 2, 2025, Louisville’s Barnstable Brown Mansion hosted the 36th annual Barnstable Brown Kentucky Derby Eve Gala, drawing a star-studded crowd of celebrities from various fields. The event, a highlight of Derby Week, supports the Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center at the University of Kentucky.
Notable Attendees
Among the distinguished guests were:
- Simone Biles, Olympic gymnast
- Selma Blair, actress
- Aaron Rodgers, NFL quarterback
- Dierks Bentley, country music singer
- Machine Gun Kelly, musician
- Tracy Morgan, comedian and actor
- Brothers Osborne, country music duo
- Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook, country music singers
- Boyz II Men, R&B group
- Joey Fatone, actor and singer
- Scott Stapp, lead vocalist of Creed
- Travis Tritt, country music singer
- Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, rapper
- Davante Adams, NFL wide receiver
- Brantley Gilbert, country music singer
- Doug E. Fresh, rapper
- Larry and Dannielynn Birkhead, daughter of the late Anna Nicole Smith
- Jordan Smith, singer
- Billy Gilman, singer
- Nappy Roots, hip-hop group
- RaeLynn, country music singer
- Randall Cobb, NFL wide receiver
- Jimmy Graham, NFL tight end
- A.J. Hawk, former NFL linebacker
- Matt Flynn, former NFL quarterback
- David Bakhtiari, NFL offensive tackle
- Bryan Bulaga, NFL offensive tackle
- Corey Linsley, NFL center
- Allen Lazard, NFL wide receiver
Event Highlights
The gala featured live musical performances by Boyz II Men and Joey Fatone, adding to the festive atmosphere. The event has raised over $21 million to date, supporting diabetes research and treatment at the University of Kentucky.
Background
Founded 35 years ago by twin sisters Patricia Barnstable Brown and Priscilla Barnstable, along with their mother Wilma and Patricia’s late husband Dr. David E. Brown, the Barnstable Brown Gala has become a premier event during Kentucky Derby Week. Held annually at Patricia’s home, the gala brings together celebrities from entertainment, sports, and other fields to celebrate the Kentucky Derby and raise funds for the Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center.
2025 Kentucky Derby
The 151st Kentucky Derby took place on May 3, 2025, at Churchill Downs in Louisville. The race was won by Sovereignty, trained by Bill Mott, marking his second Derby victory.
Conclusion
The Barnstable Brown Gala exemplifies the power of community engagement, philanthropy, and personal initiative in addressing health issues such as diabetes. By fostering partnerships between local leaders, celebrities, and community members, this event not only raises crucial funds but also highlights the spirit of Lexington and Louisville, encouraging civic innovation for future gatherings. Join us in celebrating these efforts and supporting community-driven initiatives that benefit all Kentuckians.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Barnstable Brown Gala?
- The Barnstable Brown Gala is an annual black-tie event held on the eve of the Kentucky Derby, featuring celebrities from various fields and supporting the Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center at the University of Kentucky.
- Who attended the 2025 Barnstable Brown Gala?
- Notable attendees included Simone Biles, Selma Blair, Aaron Rodgers, Dierks Bentley, Machine Gun Kelly, Tracy Morgan, Brothers Osborne, Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook, Boyz II Men, Joey Fatone, Scott Stapp, Travis Tritt, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, Davante Adams, Brantley Gilbert, Doug E. Fresh, Larry and Dannielynn Birkhead, Jordan Smith, Billy Gilman, Nappy Roots, RaeLynn, Randall Cobb, Jimmy Graham, A.J. Hawk, Matt Flynn, David Bakhtiari, Bryan Bulaga, Corey Linsley, and Allen Lazard.
- What is the purpose of the Barnstable Brown Gala?
- The gala aims to raise funds for the Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center at the University of Kentucky, supporting diabetes research and treatment.
- When was the 2025 Kentucky Derby held?
- The 151st Kentucky Derby took place on May 3, 2025, at Churchill Downs in Louisville.
- Who won the 2025 Kentucky Derby?
- Sovereignty, trained by Bill Mott, won the 2025 Kentucky Derby.
| Event | Date | Location | Purpose | Notable Attendees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnstable Brown Gala | May 2, 2025 | Louisville, Kentucky | Fundraising for the Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center at the University of Kentucky | Simone Biles, Selma Blair, Aaron Rodgers, Dierks Bentley, Machine Gun Kelly, Tracy Morgan, Brothers Osborne, Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook, Boyz II Men, Joey Fatone, Scott Stapp, Travis Tritt, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, Davante Adams, Brantley Gilbert, Doug E. Fresh, Larry and Dannielynn Birkhead, Jordan Smith, Billy Gilman, Nappy Roots, RaeLynn, Randall Cobb, Jimmy Graham, A.J. Hawk, Matt Flynn, David Bakhtiari, Bryan Bulaga, Corey Linsley, and Allen Lazard. |
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