Author: Franklin Ogot

Tammy York Day & Tonya York 

When we founded the Unbridled Charitable Foundation in 2012, our vision was simple, yet ambitious: to harness the excitement and energy of one of the world’s greatest sporting traditions, the Kentucky Derby, to spotlight and support worthy causes, and bring a spotlight to Louisville for economic vibrancy.  

Over the past twelve years, we’ve been able to help raise over $5 million for more than 45 important charities with the help of our amazing planning committee and partners. We’ve forged lifelong friendships, elevated powerful missions, and created moments that have left lasting impressions—not just on our beneficiaries, but on each of you, our cherished Unbridled family. 

As we look to the future, we recognize that we are entering a new and exciting chapter fueled by growth, innovation, and a bold commitment to doing more, giving more, and reaching more.

Expanding Unbridled

We’re excited to announce that we are in discussions to expand our event calendar beyond Derby weekend with: 

• A potential return of the Derby Prelude Party to Beverly Hills in January. 

• Unbridled Revelry as a new party the Thursday before Derby. 

Each of these events would build on our proven model, merging elegance, entertainment, and philanthropy while expanding our presence across the country. 

Sponsorships as Partnerships 

Our sponsor partners are the life blood of Unbridled. We offer flexible levels to suit brands that shares our passion for meaningful, luxurious philanthropy. The pinnacle of this is the Triple Crown Sponsorship, a $500,000 commitment for those who want unparalleled access and engagement.

If you know a person or organization that would benefit from sponsor engagement, we invite you to connect them with us. This is a community, and your introductions help us grow our collective impact. 

A Digital Refresh 

We’ve launched a new website: a fresh, immersive platform that reflects Unbridled excellence. We invite you to explore it. 

Our Gratitude 

Unbridled would not be possible without you—our guests, partners, donors, sponsors, and tireless volunteers. Thank you!

With your continued support, we will accomplish even more in the next decade. Let’s live Unbridled. Together. 

With heartfelt gratitude, 
Tammy & Tonya 

Honoring Our Roots. Feeding Our Neighbors. 

The Unbridled Charitable Foundation is proud to spotlight The Lord’s Kitchen, a beacon of hope and nourishment. This organization is deeply personal to the York Sisters. Having grown up immersed in a culture of faith and service, Tammy and Tonya participated firsthand in the transformational power of community outreach. That same spirit lives on through The Lord’s Kitchen, which has provided hot meals, grocery provisions, and spiritual encouragement to thousands of Louisvillians in need for decades. 

A Legacy of Love in Action 

Established with the vision to meet both physical and spiritual needs, The Lord’s Kitchen has grown beyond its original mission. It now operates multiple sites, mobile units, and outreach programs. From food pantries to community engagement events, the organization embodies compassion—one plate and prayer at a time. 

Through this partnership, Unbridled Eve guests and supporters will help amplify The Lord’s Kitchen’s mission: 

• Alleviating hunger in our own backyard 

• Offering dignity and support to underserved families 

• Creating pathways for transformation 

Why It Matters 

Much like our founding beneficiary Blessings in a Backpack, The Lord’s Kitchen resonates with UCF’s core values—feeding bodies, lifting spirits, and building lasting relationships. Their impact reaches beyond statistics; it restores hope. 

How You Can Help 

By supporting Unbridled Eve and our events throughout the year, you are helping elevate organizations like The Lord’s Kitchen. Funds raised through our silent auctions, raffles, and sponsorships go directly to the vital work of feeding and serving those who might otherwise go without. 

Together, we’re honoring heritage, transforming lives, and living Unbridled.

The Unbridled family is excited to announce the launch of a newly enhanced tiered ticket system for the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala. While we’ve long offered our $1,200 standard ticket and $1,600 VIP ticket, we are now introducing two exclusive new tiers designed to elevate the guest experience and reflect the prestige of Derby weekend: 

• Premiere Experience Tickets – $5,000 

• Derby Experience VIP Couple Package – Call for information 

A Celebration That Matches the Moment 

The Kentucky Derby is one of the world’s most celebrated and stylish sporting events, drawing international royalty, cultural icons, and celebrities from around the globe. Over the years, the York Sisters have perfected the art of hosting a world-class gala during this iconic weekend—curating a celebration filled with purpose, elegance, and unforgettable experiences. 

While Unbridled has quietly offered premium packages in the past through select partners, we’re excited to officially expand these offerings in 2025 and beyond. 

Elevating the Experience for Our Guests 

These new ticket tiers are about more than price—they’re about deepening our engagement, expanding our services, and honoring the generosity of our guests with a level of hospitality that reflects the values at the heart of Unbridled. 

Premiere Experience Ticket Holders will receive: 

• A dedicated personal concierge on Derby Eve 

• Access to the exclusive VIP & Celebrity Reception before the gala 

• Premier table placement

Derby Experience VIP Couple Package guests will enjoy: 

• Three nights of luxury lodging at the Galt House 

• Premium experiences for Oaks Day and the Kentucky Derby 

• An unforgettable experience hosted personally by the York Sisters, who will welcome guests into a once-in-a-lifetime Derby celebration 

This experience is designed for those who want to immerse themselves in the spirit of Unbridled, during one of the most prestigious weekends in American sport and culture. 

Vision for the Future 

These new offerings are a reflection of the York Sisters’ evolving vision for Unbridled—one that continues to celebrate joy and generosity while reaching new heights. As part of that vision, we are also excited to launch a new event in the coming year- Unbridled Revelry. You can read more about this exciting addition in the feature article later in a future newsletter. 

We are proud to continue building unforgettable moments with our Unbridled family—and we can’t wait to celebrate with you in 2026. 

For ticket inquiries or more information, please contact us at 502-793-1207 or email us at info@unbridledeve.com. 

There’s only one Kentucky Derby. And there’s only one way to experience it like royalty. 

The Unbridled Charitable Foundation invites you to enter our 2026 Kentucky Derby Luxury Raffle—an exclusive opportunity to win a bucket-list Kentucky Derby weekend adventure. Proceeds support our mission to raise funds and awareness for life-changing charitable causes. 

What You’ll Win 

Immerse yourself in an unforgettable weekend of glamour, racing, and entertainment! One lucky winner and a guest will receive the full Unbridled VIP treatment, including: 

• 2 Premium Tickets to the Kentucky Derby 

• 2 Premium Tickets to the Kentucky Oaks 

• 2 VIP Tickets to the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala (Friday, May 1) 

• 2 Tickets to Unbridled Revelry (Thursday, May 2)

• Premium Lodging for Derby Weekend (Thursday, April 30 – Sunday, May 3) at the Galt House Hotel

• Ground Transportation Throughout the Weekend 

This is your chance to rub shoulders with celebrities, sip mint juleps in style, and experience the Kentucky Derby like royalty. 

How to Enter 

Raffle tickets are just $100, and only 750 tickets will be sold to keep the odds in your favor. The winner will be drawn on December 1, 2025, giving you plenty of time to prepare for one of the most fun and glamorous weekend of your life. 

Click here to purchase your raffle ticket now!

Why It Matters 

Every ticket purchased helps the Unbridled Charitable Foundation support both our primary beneficiary, Blessings in a Backpack, and a network of incredible nonprofits. Since 2012, we’ve raised over $5 million by turning world-class events into meaningful impact. 

If you’ve ever attended an Unbridled Eve Gala, chances are you’ve felt the magnetic warmth of Nora Roberts and Bruce Wilder. These two remarkable individuals have been with us since the very beginning—showing up, giving generously, and making every event feel like a true celebration of heart and purpose. 

We are thrilled to spotlight Nora and Bruce this month—not only because of their tremendous support of the Unbridled Charitable Foundation, but because they embody the spirit of what it means to live Unbridled. In fact, they are so integral to our story that they will be among the first recognized in our newsletter spotlight of Legacy supporters.

Nora Roberts: A Literary Force 

It’s hard to overstate the impact Nora Roberts has made on the world of literature. With over 230 novels to her name and more than 500 million books sold, she is one of the most prolific and successful authors of all time. A regular fixture on The New York Times bestseller list—with more than 200 appearances—Nora has captivated readers with sweeping romance, rich characters, and deeply human stories. 

Under her own name and her pseudonym J.D. Robb, she has built a literary empire while maintaining an unwavering commitment to her craft. Her writing spans genres, generations, and continents—but at her core, Nora is a storyteller who understands connection. That same connection shines through in everything she and Bruce bring to Unbridled. 

Bruce Wilder: The Artisan Behind the Scenes 

Bruce Wilder is a man of many talents. A skilled carpenter, photographer, and entrepreneur, Bruce brings a craftsman’s precision and an artist’s eye to everything he does. He owns and operates Turn the Page Bookstore in Boonsboro, Maryland—a beloved independent shop that has become both a literary destination and a community hub, often hosting book signings and events for Nora and other authors. 

Behind the scenes at Unbridled, Bruce is a quiet but constant force. He lends his insight, his creativity, and his heart to the work we do. Whether curating silent auction donations, welcoming guests with a calm and friendly presence, or supporting the causes we champion, Bruce has helped shape the Unbridled experience in lasting ways. 

Partners in Purpose 

Together, Nora and Bruce are more than attendees—they are family. They’ve donate exceptional silent auction items, contribute financially, and—just as importantly—are Unbridled ambassadors to new guests and make everyone around them feel seen and valued. They make Unbridled a priority in their lives, and their support helps us grow in both reach and purpose. 

Why They Matter So Much 

Nora and Bruce understand the soul of this organization. They show up for the celebrations, but they also understand what those celebrations mean: they bring hope, visibility, and tangible support to our charitable beneficiaries. Their presence is a reminder that style and substance can—and should—walk hand in hand. 

We asked them recently what keeps them coming back year after year. Their answer was simple: “Because it matters.” That kind of belief in our mission is what sustains us. 

To Nora and Bruce—thank you for standing and celebrating with us, and always believing in us. You help us all live a little more Unbridled. 

Ronaldo Designer Jewelry has been a steadfast supporter of the Unbridled Charitable Foundation (UCF) for nearly a decade, blending artistry with philanthropy to make a meaningful impact. 2026 marks our ten-year anniversary working with Ronaldo and each year, Ronaldo crafts exclusive bracelet designs for Unbridled, with 100% of the sales proceeds donated directly to UCF, supporting its mission to aid various charitable causes. 

A Partnership Rooted in Purpose 

The collaboration between Ronaldo Designer Jewelry and UCF exemplifies how creativity can drive charitable endeavors. Through the sale of these unique bracelets, significant funds have been raised to support UCF’s initiatives, which include providing hunger-free weekends for children and supporting various community programs.  

Exclusive Bracelet Designs 

Ronaldo’s exclusive Unbridled bracelets are not only symbols of elegance but also of compassion and community support. Each piece is handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, reflecting the brand’s commitment to quality and meaningful design. These bracelets are available for purchase through the Unbridled Eve website, allowing supporters to contribute to UCF’s mission while owning a piece of this philanthropic legacy.  

Supporting UCF’s Mission 

The funds raised from the sale of Ronaldo’s exclusive bracelets play a crucial role in UCF’s ability to support its beneficiaries. By purchasing these bracelets, supporters directly contribute to initiatives that provide essential services to those in need, embodying the spirit of giving that defines both Ronaldo Designer Jewelry and the Unbridled Charitable Foundation. 

For more information on Ronaldo’s exclusive Unbridled bracelet designs and to support UCF’s mission, visit the Unbridled Eve website, and also be sure to see their wider selection at Ronaldo Designer Jewelry Inc.

A Strategic Heart for Impact 

Few individuals blend professional accomplishment with heartfelt philanthropy quite like Richard “Rich” Stephens, current Board Chair of the Unbridled Charitable Foundation (UCF). With more than three decades of experience in the insurance and employee benefits space and an unwavering commitment to children’s causes, Rich plays a pivotal role in shaping the foundation’s vision, voice, and value. 

A Fortuitous Introduction That Shaped a Model 

Rich’s story with Unbridled began serendipitously, but its impact would ripple far beyond that initial connection. At an early Unbridled Eve Gala, Rich was introduced to Blessings in a Backpack, a nonprofit dedicated to feeding food-insecure children over weekends. That introduction wasn’t just meaningful, it was catalytic. 

Moved by the mission and impressed by the organization’s leadership, Rich quickly deepened his involvement, ultimately becoming Chairman of the National Board. Under his stewardship, Blessings significantly expanded its reach, delivering over 1 million hunger-free weekends to children nationwide. 

For Unbridled, this was more than a philanthropic success, it became a prototype. The model of connecting high-impact individuals with aligned causes through unforgettable events has since become core to how UCF builds partnerships and pursues its mission. 

A Career of Leadership, Clarity, and Connection 

Professionally, Rich has helped shape the modern benefits industry. Today, he serves as the U.S. Health & Benefits Chief Broking Officer at Aon, guiding client strategy across a national platform. His earlier leadership roles at industry giants like Cigna, Marsh, and Willis gave him a deep well of experience in creating distribution systems, nurturing client relationships, and simplifying complexity in a notoriously layered industry. 

If there’s one thing he’d change? Rich would eliminate the overwhelming complexity in healthcare delivery systems, a challenge he’s been chipping away at throughout his career. 

His career is also marked by his belief in storytelling as a leadership tool. “If you can’t tell a story that is meaningful and drives toward an outcome,” he once said, “you’re wasting time.” That mindset infuses his role at UCF, where he helps sponsors, donors, and beneficiaries see themselves in the larger narrative of lasting impact. 

Wisdom, Humor, and the Heart of a Mentor 

Rich isn’t just a strategist; he’s a natural mentor. As he describes it, part of the joy of longevity in business is the ability to pass on knowledge and elevate those just entering the field. A self-proclaimed comedy fan with a dream of being on stage, he credits Robin Williams as one of his personal heroes. He values Williams’ mastery of seemingly spontaneous brilliance, underpinned by deliberate preparation. 

That humor doesn’t go unnoticed at home. “Fifteen years ago, I was hilarious,” he laughs, “Now I’m just embarrassing.” The proud father of twins and a third child, Rich speaks candidly about the challenge of raising independent spirits—and the joy of family adventures, including driving to 47 of the 48 continental states as a child with his own parents. 

His other hero? Walt Disney, a figure he admires for turning big, bold visions into reality. “He understood the value of good storytelling, which we’ve now all brought into our lives and business.” 

Living the Unbridled Vision 

At UCF, Rich is a key architect in helping us grow with purpose. He brings clarity to our sponsorship approach, helps refine our organizational strategy, and ensures that our partnerships, like the one with Blessings in a Backpack, are built for depth, not just duration. 

He exemplifies what Unbridled is all about: making memorable connections that transform lives. Whether it’s connecting a donor with a mission, a company with a cause, or an organization with a leader, it’s all about impact that lasts. 

Thank You, Rich 

As we spotlight Rich Stephens, we honor a visionary board member and a deeply valued friend. His introduction to Blessings in a Backpack was more than a coincidence. It was the spark that helped us define a blueprint for meaningful, sustainable giving. 

Thank you, Rich, for your leadership, your stories, and your unwavering heart. You’re helping all of us live and give Unbridled. 

York Management, Inc. founded in 2021 by Tonya York, has played a major role in the execution of countless high-profile and high-impact events. York Management has earned a reputation for excellence in project and event management, specializing in everything from nonprofit galas and corporate summits to innovation showcases and curated private experiences.  Her continued support of Unbridled is just one more example of how she lives and works with purpose.

Among its most noteworthy achievements are: 

• Unbridled Eve Derby Gala — Co-founded by Tonya, this signature event has raised millions for charity and become a hallmark of Derby Eve. 

• IdeaFestival — A celebration of global curiosity and innovation, where York Management led sponsor engagement, PR strategy, and signature experiences such as the “Taste of Innovation.” 

• Louisville Innovation Summit — A national gathering focused on shaping the future of aging and healthcare. 

• Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame — Honoring the Commonwealth’s most accomplished business founders. 

• Pack the Sack for Blessings in a Backpack — A culinary-focused fundraiser that directly supports weekend meals for underserved students. 

In addition to these events, Tonya has contributed her talents to countless other community-centered efforts, including work with the American Heart Association, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Gilda’s Club, and March of Dimes. Her ability to blend strategic planning with execution makes her an invaluable asset to any organization.

Tonya York wears many hats. Through York Management, she not only produces world-class events—she builds platforms for lasting impact.