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Sell Out Crowd at 29th Annual Derby Eve Gala Raises Over $150K

UK Researcher, double lung transplant survivor highlight an evening of elegance, gourmet dining and fun

LOUISVILLE, KY | May 30, 2023

Today, the American Lung Association in Kentucky announced that it raised more than $150,000 at its 29th Annual Derby Eve Gala held at the historic Seelbach Hilton in downtown Louisville on May 5. The organization is already planning a bigger event for its 30th annual event next year.

Highlights of this year’s event included:
 
  • Honorary Chair, Dr. Timothy Mullett, Medical Director, at the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center and member of the American Lung Association in Kentucky gave opening address. A cardiothoracic surgeon and Chair of the Kentucky Lung Cancer Screening Advisory Committee, Dr. Mullett is a powerful advocate for lung health.
     
  • Andy Wilkins, a double-lung transplant recipient was honored as the 2023 Lung Health Champion at the Derby Eve Gala. Wilkins’ transplant was performed at the University of Kentucky.
     
  • Dr. Sean Muldoon, a member of the National, Regional and Kentucky Lung Association Boards, was presented with a Service Award for his many years of work with the charity to advance lung health.

“We are so grateful for the Louisville community to show up and support year after year and continue its long tradition of being the hottest ticket in Louisville for Derby Eve,” said Deena Adams, executive director for the Lung Association. “Stories like that of Andy Wilkins’ remind us why the funds raised at this event are critical to save lives and we can’t do it without the help of our volunteers like Dr. Mullett and corporate support of our sponsors like ScionHealth, University of Kentucky and Norton Healthcare.”

Almost 90 cents of every dollar raised goes to the Lung Association’s programs and services, including research, advocacy and public health education.

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About the American Lung Association

The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events.

For more information, contact:

James A. Martinez
(312) 445-2501
James.Martinez@Lung.org

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