Central KY Riding for Hope Hosts Fundraiser June 27

Grab your best '80s-inspired attire and get ready to get down for an unforgettable evening while you "Giddy Up & Get Down to the '80s at Central Kentucky Riding for Hope's 23rd NIGHT OF THE STARS fundraiser on Saturday, June 27 at Fasig-Tipton in Lexington. CKRH is bringing neon lights and footloose vibes to the event by transforming the night into a 1980s-inspired soiree filled with neon lights, lively music and, of course, some of the program's incredible horses and riders. Located at the Kentucky Horse Park, CKRH is a 45-year-old nonprofit that offers a variety of equine-assisted services and activities for people of all ages. Some 500 people will attend NIGHT OF THE STARS, which will feature a sit-down dinner, cocktails, pony meet-and-greets, inspiring riding demonstrations, one-of-a-kind auction items and a crowd of passionate supporters. The highlight is a Live Auction of CKRH participants and their equine partners in the style of a prestigious Thoroughbred auction with sponsorships awarded to the highest bidders. Tickets are available for NIGHT OF THE STARS, which begins at 5 p.m. Eastern at Fasig-Tipton, the racehorse auction company located at 2400 Newtown Pike. Attire inspired by the 1980s or cocktail wear is suggested. "NIGHT OF THE STARS is way more than just one of Central Kentucky's best parties each year," CKRH Executive Director Pat Kline said. "The event is CKRH's signature fundraiser, which raises money to enable us to provide life-changing Equine-Assisted Services to individuals with physical, cognitive, behavioral and emotional challenges. Through the healing power of the horse, CKRH reaches a wide range of people including military veterans and active-duty service members navigating post-traumatic stress; high school students needing an alternative learning environment; and women in custody building emotional regulation skills. We are grateful for our widespread support, especially from the Thoroughbred industry." Auction items are available in all price ranges and include: Tickets to the 2026 Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships on Oct. 30-31 at Keeneland in a VIP chalet. Halters from a group of famous Thoroughbreds, including Flightline, Gun Runner, Justify, Serena's Song and Tapit. Wide selection of Kentucky bourbon, including a set of eight bottles of Blanton's Original Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey with stoppers that show each stride of a racehorse in action. "The Tortured Poets Department" CD and photo signed by Taylor Swift. Day trip to fish in the Florida Keys. Bidding on the Silent Auction is available now at onecau.se/nos2026. Auction items represent these categories: Art and Photography; Children's; Collector's; Dining and Entertainment; Weekends and Trips; His and Hers; Gardening and Outdoors; Home and Kitchen; Strictly Equine; and Jewelry. If you are interested in a Live Auction item and cannot attend NIGHT OF THE STARS, please call CKRH at (859) 231-7066 by 4 p.m. Eastern on Friday, June 26, and leave your name and phone number along with the item you wish to bid on. Someone from CKRH will call you to enter a bid for you when the item is offered for sale.