Presented by Baird, guests gathered on the Easterseals Bluegrass grounds to celebrate the start of a new UK Football season together.
The evening was filled with laughter, generosity, and a shared commitment to building a community where children and adults of all abilities can thrive.
Comfort Food Meets Celebration
Guests were treated to a feast of flavor, including comfort food sliders and a Latin-style pig roast prepared by Chef Jeremy Ashby and Dupree Catering & Events. With drinks flowing courtesy of Jim Beam and Clark Distributing, the evening’s energy was warm and celebratory.
Music That Moved the Crowd
The Five Below Band brought the crowd to life with their groovy Southern rock, creating a lively backdrop for an evening of connection and celebration.
Moments of Inspiration
As the sun set over the beautiful Easterseals Bluegrass facility, guests listened in reverence to the testimony of Lindsay Albert, a mom of three. Two of her children attend Easterseals’ child development center, including Ford, age four, who is enrolled in the fully inclusive Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care program through Creative Day. Lindsay’s words captured both the challenges and the triumphs her family has experienced and reminded everyone why their support matters.
Guiding the flow of the evening were our wonderful emcees, Amber Philpot and Chris Bailey of WKYT, who kept the crowd engaged and energized throughout the program.
Special guest UK Football Head Coach Mark Stoops also took the stage, sharing an insider’s look at the upcoming season and adding a spark of excitement and school spirit to the night.
Auction Excitement
From the moment the silent auction opened, guests buzzed with anticipation over a wide variety of luxury and unique items. Later, Jasper Auction Services led a thrilling live auction where the crowd bid passionately for experiences like an extensive tailgate package, tickets to upcoming Kentucky games, and a UK football helmet signed by Coach Mark Stoops. The winning helmet carried an extra layer of meaning, featuring Ford Albert’s little footprints.
A Generous Community
The evening concluded with a paddle raise, a powerful display of generosity from the Lexington community. Together, guests raised critical funds that will directly support the essential programs and services offered at Easterseals Bluegrass, ensuring children and adults continue to receive the care and opportunities they deserve.
Thank You
The 52nd Kentucky BASH was a celebration of resilience, generosity, and the shared belief that every person deserves the chance to reach their full potential. We are deeply grateful to our attendees, sponsors, donors, and volunteers who made the evening possible. Together, we are building a more inclusive future for Central Kentucky.