LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Barnstable Brown Gala, a premier Kentucky Derby party, donated $1 million to the University of Kentucky Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center from proceeds of its 2024 Gala. The Gala has now donated more than $21 million for diabetes treatment and research from the proceeds of the annual party, held in Louisville each year, including the proceeds from this year’s 35th Gala.
The Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center has grown considerably since it was established in 2008, and in 2023 alone treated more than 22,000 patients, and its focus on diabetes research has led to significant advancements in diabetes treatment and care.
“This $1 million donation from the Barnstable Brown Brown Gala is another transformative donation for the Center and the battle against diabetes,” said Simon Fisher, M.D., director of the University of Kentucky Diabetes Center. “The family’s longstanding support has made a tremendous impact on the care we provide here in Kentucky and on the research we conduct to advance diabetes care around the world.”
The Center was first established when twins Patricia Barnstable Brown and Priscilla Barnstable, along with their mother, Wilma, pledged the initial funding to support the center in memory of Patricia Barnstable Brown’s husband, David, who passed away from complications of diabetes in 2003.
Patricia and Priscilla Barnstable were UK cheerleaders in the late 1970s, and their father Dale played basketball for Adolph Rupp at UK in key roles in the team’s first two national championships. The twins had success doing television commercials and acting roles, and activated their show business connections to bring high profile partygoers to their annual Derby gala beginning in the late 1980s.
“When we started the Barnstable Brown Gala over 36 years ago, our goal was to build something lasting to help the millions of people who suffer from diabetes. Our 2024 Gala was in honor of my granddaughter Catherine, who was recently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. The Diabetes Center has exceeded all of our expectations,” said Tricia Barnstable Brown. “This gift is only possible because of the generosity and kindness of our many ticket buyers, sponsors and celebrity guests.”
The Gala is internationally recognized as the “premier” Kentucky Derby gala and counted among the “10 Best Parties in the World” by Condé Nast. The Barnstable Brown Gala is famed for its musical extravaganza and annual celebrity lineup, with past guests including Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, Janet Jackson, Morgan Wallen, Peyton Manning, Tracy Morgan, Jeff Bezos, Boyz II Men and many more.
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