ESSENCE ANNOUNCED AS OFFICIAL MEDIA SPONSOR FOR THE 2019 TRIFECTA GALA AT THE KENTUCKY DERBY
Louisville, KY- Thursday, April 18, 2019: The Trifecta Gala, an official event of the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Derby Festival has announced that ESSENCE will serve as the official media sponsor for this year’s event. The 2019 Trifecta Gala is the premier Derby Eve event of the Kentucky Derby, and will be held on Friday, May 3, 2019 at the KFC YUM! Center in downtown Louisville. The annual celebration, presented by former NBA star and Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company CEO Junior Bridgeman and his family, is known for bringing together influential individuals within sports, music, politics, business and cinema, in order to raise awareness and develop a call-to-action for disadvantage youth as well as for cancer and autism research in various communities.
For nearly 50 years, ESSENCE has been a passionate resource; providing information and inspiration for women across the globe to achieve their dreams. Today, ESSENCE is once again 100% Black-owned and has evolved beyond its flagship magazine to serve Black women deeply as a digital-first, content, technology and commerce company. ESSENCE is also the producer of the annual ESSENCE Festival, the world’s largest cultural, entertainment and empowerment experience and celebration of Black culture.
“For years our family has relied on Essence magazine as guide to news and what’s happening in and around our community,” says Eden Bridgeman, daughter of Junior Bridgeman and chair of this year’s Trifecta Gala. “Because theirs is a media brand that celebrates cultural and relevant excellence, we are confident this is a partnership that will only enhance the overall guest experience and event itself!”
“The Bridgeman family and the Trifecta Gala represent our culture and our community, and the event’s purpose-driven mission is aligned with the spirit of the ESSENCE brand.,” says Moana Luu, ESSENCE Chief Content & Creative Officer. “As the official media partner for this year’s fete, we are thrilled to present our storytelling at the storied Kentucky Derby!”
In addition to the recent ESSENCE partnership, the 2019 Trifecta Gala is shaping to be one of the Kentucky Derby’s most talked about events. Last month, The Bridgeman family announced that R&B superstar Usher will headline the event during an exclusive and limited performance at the gala.
Sponsored by Coca-Cola, Baccarat, GH Mumm, Miss Jessie’s, Tito’s Vodka, Diageo-Circoc, Crown Royal, Bulliet, Churchill Downs, Bachman Auto Group and Meijer, the 2019 Trifecta Gala will benefit several charities that have partnered with the Bridgeman Charitable Group for this special occasion, including The V. Foundation, The Louisville West End School and The University of Louisville Autism Center.
Tickets are available for purchase at www.trifectagala.com.
About ESSENCE Communications Inc.
ESSENCE Communications is the number one media, technology and commerce company serving Black women and inspires a global audience of more than 17 million through diverse storytelling and immersive original content. With a multi-platform presence in publishing, experiential and online, ESSENCE encompasses its signature magazine; digital, video and social platforms; television specials; books; as well as live events, including Black Women in Music, Black Women in Hollywood, Street Style and the ESSENCE Festival. Essence Communications is owned by Essence Ventures, an independent Black-owned, technology-driven company focused on merging content, community and commerce to meet the evolving cultural and lifestyle needs of people of color.
About The Trifecta Gala
The Trifecta Gala presented by the Bridgeman Charitable Group is an annual Kentucky Derby fundraiser benefiting various charitable organizations. For the past 18 years, retired NBA guard Ulysses “Junior” Bridgeman and his family have hosted the most exclusive events during the Kentucky Derby weekend, drawing the likes of notable celebrities, influencers, top-athletes, as well as international CEOs and chairmen from diverse industries. Each year, The Trifecta Gala celebrates the Derby while raising funds for specific charities pledging to make the world a better place through an evening to remember. For more information on The Trifecta visit trifectagala.com.
About the V Foundation for Cancer Research
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach and ESPN commentator. The Foundation has funded more than $225 million in cancer research grants nationwide. The V Foundation awards 100 percent of direct donations to cancer research and programs. The V Foundation’s endowment covers administrative expenses. The Foundation awards peer-reviewed grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Committee. For more information on the V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.
About The West End School
The West End School is a free, private, college preparatory elementary and middle school for at-risk young men. Admission is open to boys entering pre-kindergarten through sixth grade who are on free or reduced lunch, are capable of doing academic work at grade level or above and who would benefit from a safe environment & high expectations. Middle school students board Monday through Friday and return home on the weekends.
About The University of Louisville Autism Center
The University of Louisville Autism Center at Kosair Charities is an ideal environment for targeting each child’s specific needs while fostering group thinking and strategies among practitioners. This approach allows parallel treatments to occur and makes the best use of the time available.
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