Night of The Shining Stars

Saturday, May 3rd 2008 Louisville’s premiere Derby event ushered in another successful Grand Gala.

The stars shined at this glamorous event that benefits local charities.  Super-Bowl champ Michael Strahan and model Nicole Murphy strutted the Red Carpet and waved to screaming fans.  Other celebrities who spiced-up the event included: Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young, NBA legends Julius Erving and Michael Jordan, and beautiful actress Gabrielle Union a mainstay at this annual Derby event.

Inside fans and celebrities jammed to the sounds of 70’s super band Earth, Wind, and Fire, while star-truck autograph seekers posed with their favorite celebs.  Other notablecelebrities included; Tichina Arnold of “Everybody Hates Chris,” Bootsy Collins, Carl Anthony Payne from the “Martin” show, NBA All-Star Dewayne Wade, and Smokey Robinson.

Special props go out to Super Host Rohena Miller for making this event one of the mostanticipated functions of Derby weekend.  Since its inception seven years ago, the Grand Gala has quickly eclipsed all other events in popularity…  

PPAATH President and co-founder Calvin Davis found time to visit with television and movie star Gabrielle Union during the Derby Galas.	PPAATH co-founder and Vice President  Jerry Fife haming it up with recording artist Bootsy Collins during the Derby Galas.

	PPAATH founder and CEO Leon Nichols visiting with Louisville's own and BET comedian Spike Davis during the Derby Galas.

May 4th and 5th of 2007, the PPAATH organization was the featured exhibit at the 100 Black Men of Louisville Derby Gala and the Links Gala in Lexington, Ky.  Our core educational outreach mission at public schools and colleges in the Louisville, Lexington, and Frankfort areas during Black History Month, proved to be an excellent approach to engage students about the forgotten history of America's first sports profession.

Another goal of this historic endeavor is to establish a public equestrian facility near the Greater Louisville Metropolitan area that preserves the history, heritage, and legacy of these first great athletes.  (See the About link on the Main Menu to learn more regarding our project's vision and goals.