By Vicki Prichard
NKyTribune reporter
The time has come to shine the julep cups, snip the mint and lift the wide-brimmed chapeaus from their boxes.
In Kentucky, tradition prevails, and as the first Saturday in May approaches, it’s time to look to Churchill Downs for the most exciting two minutes of sports and all that entails.
For two Northern Kentucky sisters, Kim Boyle and Aimee Boyle Wulfeck, it seemed fitting that among the many traditions one they should pay tribute to – and raise funds to benefit – the “real stars” of the day – the horses themselves who can face a grim fate in retirement.
They have proved the good things that can happen when women gather in the kitchen to ponder solutions for what ails the world should never be underestimated.
Seven years ago, Boyle went to her sister with the idea of a Kentucky Derby party to benefit horses.
The two had looked for existing events that benefitted horses, something they might volunteer with, but found nothing in place.
“So, it was in my kitchen that day that we decided to start our own,” says Wulfeck.
In 2010, Boyle and Wulfeck, who grew up in Fort Mitchell and attended Beechwood School, made their mark with their first pre-Derby gala fundraiser, Ferdinand’s Ball.
Its namesake, Ferdinand, was the 1986 Kentucky Derby winner and 1987 Breeder’s Cup Classic winner. The champion was sent to a Japan where he ended up in a slaughterhouse when his racing and stud career ended.
“We grew up in a family of animal lovers,” says Wulfeck. “We didn’t grow up around horses or in the horse industry. We started this event because of our love for animals and we wanted to help thoroughbreds once their careers are over.”
Ferdinand’s Ball is held in Louisville, where Boyle now lives and runs her business, Barkstown Road. Through the event she raises awareness, and more than $20,000 annually, to make sure that racing thoroughbreds can retire in peace and dignity on a 52-acre farm in Georgetown called Old Friends Equine Retirement Facility.
A dignified retirement for racing greats
Boyle attended Georgetown College and was familiar with Old Friends. She knew the farm saved other retired thoroughbreds from Ferdinand’s fate.
To date, more than 100 retired horses roam at Old Friends. They receive more than 20,000 visitors who come to meet and interact with the horses, learn the stories of their victories, abuse, brushes with death, and their ultimate rescue thanks to the kindness and generosity of people like Boyle and Wulfeck.
Knowing the scope of Old Friends’ mission, the sisters immediately knew that Old Friends would be the perfect beneficiary on any funds they might raise.
Now in its seventh year, Ferdinand’s Ball has become the Derby weekend kick-off event. The event takes place the Thursday before the Kentucky Derby, aka Thurby, and draws 600 guests, with support from celebrities, notable sports figures and local and national news media.
Past hosts include actress and producer, Maria Menounos, model Kate Upton, former Orlando Magic guard, Peyton Siva, and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills actress, Brandi Glanville. Guests include recording artists, actors, locally and nationally recognized NBA and former NCAA basketball players, Derby and Oaks-winning jockeys, horse owners, and sports media personalities.
But Wulfeck says that early on there was definitely a learning curve.
Slow start out the gate
“Our first year was terrible,” she says. “We had no idea what we were doing. We begged people to come and had a little over 100 guests. We paid for the catering out of our own pockets.”
By the next year, Kate Upton and DeMarcus Cousins were hosting and having a dance-off on the floor.
They felt the hard work was finally paying off when they were able to give that first check to Old Friends.
“Anyone who has planned a charity event know the time and energy that goes into is,” says Wulfeck. “When we see the money going to things like purchasing more land on the farm, or bringing Silver Charm and War Emblem back to Kentucky to retire at Old Friends, that’s when we know our time is making a difference.”
By 2015, more than 500 guests filled Louisville’s Muhammad Ali Center, and jockey Gary Stevens, who rode Silver Charm to win the 1997 Kentucky Derby, and went on to win the Preakness Stakes, received the 2015 Ferdinand Award.
“We’ve come a long way,” says Wulfeck. “People know that when they come to Ferdinand’s Ball they are going to have a good time and that their money is going to a good cause.”
Wulfeck says over the years they’ve come to know what to expect and “who they can count on,” when planning the event.
Among those they can count on are some “amazing sponsors,” says Wulfeck. This year, Vest Advertising is on board, along with Southern Wine and Spirits, The Event Company, Kendra Scott and Biltmore Wines.
The 2016 Ferdinand’s Ball will take place at the newly renovated Louisville Marriott at 280 West Jefferson Street, featuring live entertainment by Tony and the Tan Lines. Celebrity guests include country singer J.D. Shelbourne, Walking Dead comics’ illustrator, Tony Moore, and L.A. Lakers scout Bonnie-Jill Laflin. The May 5 event is black-tie optional, featuring a celebrity red carpet, gourmet dinner, open bar and silent auction. Dinner tickets are $500 per person, dance tickets are $175 per person. Tables of 10 are $4,500.
“Our motto is, party for the ponies,” says Wulfeck.
Tickets for Ferdinand’s Ball can be purchased at www.ferdinandsball.com