Reservations are now open for the area’s longest-running Derby Eve party.
Rockin’ Derby Eve will take place Friday, May 3, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., at the Madison County Fair Grounds’ Richardson Hall. Reservations are open through May 1.
Although the name has changed over the years – Bourbon, Boots & BBQ, the Gala on Derby Eve, the Run for the Roses Derby Eve Benefit, and Spring Thing—one thing has never changed: all proceeds from the event have supported Hospice Care Plus for more than 20 years.
This year’s Rockin’ Derby Eve will feature live music by Rock of Ages, a popular 1980’s tribute band. As always, it also includes a catered dinner, complimentary Oaks Lily cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a live and silent auction, photo booth, optional games, and much more. An open bar is included for wine and beer, and a cash bar will be available for mixed drinks.
Reservations are $100 per person. A limited number of VIP tables of ten are available for large groups who want to guarantee seating together. VIP table guests are entitled to early entry and can participate in a table-decorating contest exclusive to the VIP tables. Prizes will be awarded for first,
A guest sports a Derby hat at last year’s Derby Eve benefit party.
second, and third place table winners.
Attire is casual.
“Some come in their Derby best, others in date-night or casual clothes,” says Stefanie Manes, development coordinator at Hospice Care Plus. “Whatever makes guests feel their best is perfect for the event.”
The Derby Eve benefit party began 21 years ago when a local group of women organized it to raise funds to help build our Compassionate Care Center.
Proceeds now support all programs provided by Hospice Care Plus: Home Hospice Care, Palliative Care, Grief & Loss Support, and the Compassionate Care Center.
“This event is a key fundraiser for our mission, part of which is to provide care to all, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay,” says Stefanie. “Plus, some of our programs, like palliative care and grief care, are fully dependent on donations and fundraisers. Events like this one make those programs possible.”
On Facebook? Be sure to follow Rockin’ Derby Eve’s Facebook event page for updates, details, and fun posts leading up to the event.
Cumberland Valley National Bank is this year’s presenting sponsor for Rockin’ Derby Eve.
Guests visit with friends at the 2023 Derby Eve benefit party, then known as Bourbon, Boots & BBQ.
Additional Sponsors
Platinum: Kentucky Printing, Miller’s Tire Too, Miller’s Maintenance, Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Richmond
Gold: Baldwin CPAs, Foley’s Florist, GFWC Woman’s Club of Berea, Hitachi Automotive, Richmond Walmart, Whitaker Bank
Silver: Baptist Health Richmond, Berea Citizen, Berea Walmart, CG Bank, Community Trust Bank, Mac’s Mobile Home Supply, Madison County Fair Board, M&D’s Catering, WBON TV / 100.7 The Coyote.
Bronze: ABR Auto Recyclers, Adams Buick GMC Inc., Bluegrass Rustic, Chenault Vineyards, Kaylor’s Marine, Linville Insurance, Noble Dental, TNT DJ Services (Todd Chaney)
Friends: 1st Trust Bank; Central Bank; Davis & Powell Funeral Home; Four Roses Distillery; Heaven Hill Distillery; Jones Heating & Cooling; King Bottling Company; Lakes Funeral Home & Cremation Services; Oldham, Roberts & Powell Funeral Home
Rockin’ Derby Eve is organized by Hospice Care Plus in conjunction with a local planning committee. This year’s committee includes:
- Brenna Wallhausser
- Caira Aldridge
Derby Eve party guests always enjoy exploring the silent auction items.
- Cheree Crowe
- Julia Allen
- Karen Linville
- Melanie Hacker
- Sherry Marshall
- Stacey Brinegar
- Stefanie Manes
- Tammy Warford
To learn more, contact us at 859-986-1500 or hospice@hospicecp.org. To be the first to know about upcoming events, subscribe to our Upcoming Events Mailing List.
Hospice Care Plus was founded as a non-profit organization to support the quality of life of its communities through hospice, palliative and bereavement care programs. The organization serves Estill, Jackson, Lee, Madison, Owsley, and Rockcastle counties and owns and operates the Compassionate Care Center in Richmond. Relying on contributions from individuals and groups, all care is provided regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Learn more, donate, or explore career and volunteer opportunities on our website or by contacting us at 859-986-1500 or hospice@hospicecp.org.
Hospice Care Plus empowers those we serve to enjoy the highest quality of life, respecting their values, beliefs, needs, and goals through specialized care, education, resources, and grief support.
Our Service Area:
Our Home Hospice and Home Palliative Care programs serve you, wherever you call home, in the Kentucky counties of Estill, Jackson, Lee, Madison, Owsley, and Rockcastle.
Our inpatient care facility, the Compassionate Care Center, and administrative offices are located in Richmond, Kentucky.
Recent News:
Rockin’ Derby Eve Benefit Friday May 2
News & Events

Noodle Nirvana Donates $34,000
Noodle Nirvana, Berea’s fast-casual restaurant featuring homemade, Thai-inspired noodle bowls, has announced it raised $34,000 for Hospice Care Plus. “Noodle Nirvana and its owners, staff, and customers are remarkable for what they have done for non-profits in our community. We are grateful, inspired, and ready to put the donation to work to care for patients and…

World Lung Cancer Day, Aug. 1
According to the American Lung Association, lung cancer is the number one cancer killer in the United States. Kentucky has the highest occurrence of new cases in the country. Even though Kentucky ranks second in the nation in screening people at high risk for lung cancer, it still has the highest death rate. Why? Dr.…

Hee Haw Hoedown, Aug. 13
The annual Estill County summer fundraiser is back after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic. This year’s event is the Hee Haw Hoedown, slated for Saturday, Aug. 13, from 6-9 p.m. at the Estill County Fair Barn. Tickets are $50 and include dinner, entertainment, silent auction, live auction, and much more. Reserve your…

Lisa Cox Announced as New CEO
Following a national search, Lisa Johnson Cox has been appointed as the new chief executive officer for Hospice Care Plus. The Board of Directors approved a resolution on June 30 confirming Lisa as CEO of the regional organization. Tim Jordan, president of Hospice’s board and chair of the CEO search committee, expressed confidence in Lisa’s…