Month: March 2026

The Unbridled model for assisting our beneficiaries has never been about a simple monetary transaction. Since our founding, we’ve focused on leveraging the energy, brand, and global spotlight of the Kentucky Derby to create enduring connections between our beneficiaries, donors, and like-minded individuals. It’s a strategy built on relationships, storytelling, and shared values-and it works. 

Our founding primary beneficiary, Blessings in a Backpack, has received more than $5 million over the years through introductions and connections made at our events. More than 45 other charitable organizations have benefited from this model, helping to create a ripple effect of generosity that extends far beyond Derby weekend. 

What’s New for 2027 

While the essence of our model remains unchanged, we’re taking a significant step forward in how we engage our charitable partners. In past years, selected charities were often notified shortly before the event and only had the benefit of Unbridled Eve. For 2027, we are implementing a more methodical and collaborative process to deepen these partnerships that will span across multiple Unbridled events from August of  2026 through August of 2027.  As we expand the Unbridled ecosystem with more events and more experiences, our beneficiaries will benefit by participating in this journey with us.   

Our application process is officially open for 2027 and will remain open through July 1st, 2026.  Applicants must have the support of an Unbridled Planning Committee Member and must have a representative that can participate on the Auction and Business Development Committee.   For the first time we will be taking applications online. 

This shift allows us to offer: 

• Greater visibility and engagement opportunities leading up to the event 

• More collaborative planning between UCF and beneficiaries 

• Earlier access to sponsors, donors, and promotional assets 

 What We Look For in a Beneficiary 

We seek partners who align with our mission and can thrive in the unique Unbridled model. Ideal applicants will demonstrate: 

• A strong mission that resonates with our donor base 

• The ability to engage volunteers, attract sponsors, and sell event tickets 

• A history of impact and transparency 

• Creativity and capacity to amplify UCF’s brand through storytelling, auction item procurement, and celebrity engagement 

Why Apply? 

Becoming a UCF beneficiary means more than being highlighted at a world-class gala. It means: 

• Direct access to high-net-worth individuals 

• National and regional press coverage 

• Exposure at multiple events including the Derby Prelude Party and other Unbridled events.  

 Next Steps 

Nonprofits interested in becoming a 2027 beneficiary must submit a completed application at Beneficiary Form – Unbridled Eve Derby Gala with the support of an Unbridled Planning Committee Member. 

Let’s continue building a legacy of generosity, celebration, and Unbridled impact– together. 

We are thrilled to introduce one of our newest partners at Unbridled- Bridleberry Leather Tack Company, a brand where craftsmanship, tradition, and passion come together in every stitch. 

Rooted deeply in equestrian heritage, Bridleberry has built a reputation for producing exceptionally high-quality tack. From beautifully crafted saddles to precision-designed bridles, browbands, reins, and accessories, every piece reflects a commitment to both performance and elegance. Their work isn’t just functional, it enhances the connection between rider and horse. 

While their equestrian craftsmanship alone makes them a natural fit for Unbridled, what makes this partnership even more exciting is Bridleberry’s expansion into luxury goods, particularly their stunning line of high-end purses. 

As part of this partnership, Bridleberry is generously contributing over a dozen luxury purses, along with a saddle, to the Unbridled silent auction. In addition, their purses will be featured as exclusive gifts for our celebrities and entertainers, bringing their craftsmanship to an entirely new audience. 

But the most exciting part of this collaboration is what lies ahead. 

Looking toward 2027, Bridleberry and Unbridled are partnering to develop an exclusive co-branded Unbridled purse, a one-of-a-kind piece that will only be available through Unbridled. This collaboration will blend Bridleberry’s artisan quality with the spirit and mission of Unbridled, and we cannot wait to share it with you. 

Like many great partnerships, this one began with a simple connection. Bridleberry’s representative, Jordan Springer, first reached out to explore a potential collaboration. That conversation led to an introduction between Tammy and David Diamond, Bridleberry’s CEO and owner. It quickly became clear that beyond the products, there was a deeper alignment—David’s passion for making a difference mirrors the mission at the heart of Unbridled. 

You’ll be hearing much more about Bridleberry in the months ahead. 

Their philosophy, combining tradition, innovation, and purpose, aligns beautifully with everything we are building at Unbridled. We are proud to partner with a company that not only delivers exceptional craftsmanship but also shares our vision for impact. 

Welcome to the Unbridled family, Bridleberry. 

Greg Terada (or GT, as we know him) knew from an early age that he wanted to work with the famous. His parents, however, thought he meant he wanted to be famous. 

“I had told my parents ever since I was 3 years old…that I wanted to work with the famous, they thought I said I wanted to be famous. Working with the famous was a childhood dream.” 

GT wasn’t chasing fame, he was fascinated by the path and process these individuals took to obtain stardom. 

He grew up in St. Louis with a father who was an aerospace director with McDonnell Douglas/Boeing and a mother who had her own accounting practice . With parents from such strong academic backgrounds, they hoped their son would pursue something practical and professional. Their plan for him was simple: become a dentist or a surgeon. 

But GT knew that wasn’t his path, or his passion. 

After graduating from school, he took a job as a marketing representative with Bristol Myers. Even then, he knew it was only a temporary stop along the way. 

Early on he told his boss: 

“You need to fire me after one year and then I’m going to go full-time into producing/putting on these events and I’m going to go work with the most famous people in the world.” 

He ended up staying two years. 

GT’s career has been defined by relentless hustle. One of his favorite stories involves tracking down actor Michael J. Fox in order to secure him for a big charity gala . It wasn’t easy. GT spent 5 days hunting him down at the National Convention in Philadelphia, eventually convincing a police officer guarding the backdoor of a fashion boutique to let him slip into an event where he would have just a few minutes to make his case. 

He got the meeting. 

The result? The event ended up raising $5.5 million. 

That persistence has helped GT build a career connecting world-class talent with extraordinary events. 

It also led him to play a key role, as executive producer, in helping establish one of the most remarkable charitable galas in the world: Muhammad Ali Celebrity Fight Night, whose international reputation places it among the most successful fundraising events ever created, $128,000,000 raised for Parkinson and Neurological Research. 

When Tammy and Tonya were imagining what Unbridled could be, they commented that they hoped it could be as impactful as Muhammad Ali Fight Night.  What they didn’t know at the time was that one day we would be working with someone who helped build it. 

Over the years, GT has worked with an astonishing list of talent including Michael Jackson, Elton John, Lionel Richie, Beyoncé, David Foster, Celine Dion, Alicia Keys, Sting, Mariah Carey, Garth Brooks, Journey, Snoop Dogg,  Maroon Five, Stevie Wonder, and so many more. 

Today we are tremendously blessed to have GT as part of the Unbridled family. He has helped us secure incredible talent while sharing our belief that celebrity and entertainment can be powerful forces for good. 

So when you experience the incredible energy, music, and magic at an Unbridled event, remember something: 

One of the people behind the scenes is someone who has spent a lifetime bringing unforgettable talent to the world’s greatest stages. 

The biggest name in entertainment you’ve never heard of—until now. 

Ryan Harrell met Tammy York during an amazing (and stressful) time in their lives: the Duke Fuqua Global MBA program. Like many great relationships forged under pressure, theirs was built on shared ambition, long hours, and a commitment to pushing beyond what seemed possible. 

What became clear early on was that Ryan wasn’t just another talented finance professional, he was someone who could bring clarity to complexity, strategy to uncertainty, and calm to chaos. 

Today, Ryan serves as a Senior Managing Director at Huntington National Bank, where he leads in the world of fund finance and institutional banking. His career spans some of the most respected names in finance, including J.P. Morgan, SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, and Brink’s Inc., where he played a key role in developing global fintech strategies and advising executive leadership at the highest levels. 

But titles only tell part of the story. 

Ryan has built his career on relationships. Whether advising on mergers and acquisitions, structuring capital markets solutions, or guiding corporate strategy, his approach is rooted in trust, insight, and long-term partnership. He has a rare ability to see both the big picture and the fine details, understanding not just where an organization is today, but where it has the potential to go. 

At Unbridled, that perspective is invaluable. 

As a board member, Ryan brings deep financial expertise and strategic discipline, helping guide the organization as it continues to grow and expand its impact. His experience across corporate finance, investment banking, and global markets provides a strong foundation for thoughtful decision-making and sustainable growth. 

But just as important is who Ryan is beyond the boardroom. 

He is known for his energy, his integrity, and his ability to connect with people. Whether he’s working with senior executives or mentoring team members, Ryan leads with a service-oriented mindset, always focused on creating value for others. 

That alignment with Unbridled’s mission is no coincidence. 

Ryan understands that the most meaningful work happens at the intersection of strategy and purpose. And in a world that often prioritizes speed over substance, he brings a steady, thoughtful presence that helps ensure Unbridled stays true to both. 

We are honored to have Ryan Harrell as part of the Unbridled family- and excited for the continued impact we will make together. 

We are thrilled to announce that Nikki Grizzle has joined the Unbridled team as our new Chief Relationship Officer. 

Many of you already know Nikki—because, in many ways, she’s been part of Unbridled from the very beginning. 

But to understand why this is such an important addition, you have to understand Nikki’s journey. 

Nikki was one of the earliest team members at Blessings in a Backpack, joining at a time when the organization was still building its foundation. Over the next 14 years, she didn’t just grow with the organization—she helped shape it. Rising through the ranks to become Chief Marketing Officer, Nikki played a central role in transforming Blessings into a nationally recognized brand, building partnerships with companies like KFC, Red Robin, and Unilever, and helping amplify a mission that now feeds children across the country every weekend. 

At her core, Nikki is a storyteller—but not just with words. She tells stories through partnerships, through campaigns, and through the way she connects people to purpose. Her work has reached audiences through outlets like CNN, People Magazine, and ESPN, but more importantly, it has translated into real impact for the communities she serves. 

Now, she brings that same energy, experience, and vision to Unbridled. 

As Chief Relationship Officer, Nikki will play a critical leadership role in shaping and executing Unbridled’s strategic plan—building and stewarding relationships with clients, sponsors, nonprofit partners, and community leaders, while helping translate big ideas into meaningful, measurable outcomes. 

She will work closely with our leadership team not only to define where we are going, but to ensure we get there. 

Tammy has coined a new saying here at Unbridled. You’ve heard “the devil is in the details.” 

Tammy says, “God is in the strategy.” 

And Nikki? Nikki will be working with both. 

She brings the rare ability to operate at 30,000 feet—seeing the vision, the partnerships, the possibilities—while also getting deep into the details that actually make things happen. Strategy and execution. Vision and follow-through. 

That combination is exactly what Unbridled needs in this next chapter. 

And we couldn’t be more excited to have her on the team.