They're Off! Luncheon
- Location:Galt House, East Grand Ballroom
- Event Date:04/20/2012
- Time:11:30 AM Reception, Doors Open 11:15 AM
- Tickets:$608 for a table of 8 or $76 each
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First held in 1957, the second year of the Kentucky Derby Festival, the They're Off! Luncheon serves as the time-honored kickoff to each year's Festival.
In 2012, ESPN reporter Erin Andrews, who is also a correspondent for ABC's Good Morning America, will be the keynote speaker for the 56th annual luncheon. Andrews will address approximately 1,800 Derby Festival supporters and patrons in attendance for this community tradition, which begins at 11:30 a.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the Galt House East Hotel, site of the festive event since 1974.
Andrews joins Sam Champion, Robin Roberts, Dick Vitale, Terry Bradshaw, Greg Gumbel, Larry King, Cawood Ledford, Phil Simms and Howard Cosell in a long list of luminaries who have entertained They're Off! Luncheon audiences for the past 56 years.
During the annual luncheon is the presentation of the AT&T Silver Horseshoe Award, given annually to a group or individual who has made significant contributions to the Thoroughbred racing industry/service to the community.
In 2012, the award will be presented to the American Red Cross-Louisville Area Chapter. In addition to the award, the Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation --the Derby Festival's charitable arm -- is making a $5,000 contribution to the local Red Cross chapter for tornado relief throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana.
The Kentucky Derby Festival's 2012 Official Poster Artist - Andre' Foreman - will also be at the event signing his posters before and after the event.
