Hats for Hope has raised nearly a half million dollars over the past 10 years to support breast cancer services through its signature pre-Derby silent auction cocktail event. Presenting sponsor, US Bank, is supporting this year’s event where approximately 200 new and gently worn designer Kentucky Derby hats as well as packages including gift baskets, jewelry, gift certificates, trips and more will be purchased by attendees.

Hats for Hope will be held on Thursday, April 17, from 6-9:30 p.m. at Ramada Inn Conference Center at 9700 Bluegrass Parkway. “We are excited about our new venue with a new menu of hors d'oeuvres and plenty of convenient free parking. Tickets go fast, so it is recommended that ticket purchases be made early,” said Ann Mudge, chair of the 2014 fundraiser. Tickets are $30 in advance or $40 the day of the event. To purchase tickets or to learn more about the event, visit www.hatsforhopelouisville.org.

In addition to the silent auction, guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres and desserts, wine and a specialty cocktail provided by Brown-Forman. Attendees also will enjoy trying on hats and posing for photographs with their friends on the Hats for Hope Pink Carpet. A highlight is hearing cancer survivors tell moving stories of hope and survival.

The event celebrates survivorship, friendship, fun and fashion – with 100 percent of event proceeds supporting breast cancer services for patients through the M. Krista Loyd Cancer Resource Center at the James Graham Brown Cancer Center at the University of Louisville. The Cancer Resource Center provides a peaceful environment for cancer patients to learn, relax and heal emotionally.

Hats for Hope began 11 years ago, when a small group of volunteers joined efforts in creating an event that quickly became a Louisville tradition to kick off the Derby season. Last year, the event raised $70,000 supporting the cause.

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer. Nationally, an estimated 182,460 new cases of invasive breast cancer will occur among women this year and over 40,000 will die of the disease. Breast cancer does not just impact women, but also has a devastating impact on the men and children whose loved ones are diagnosed with the disease.  Attending the Hats for Hope event helps to reduce the burden this disease has on our community.

About the James Graham Brown Cancer Center

The James Graham Brown Cancer Center is a key component of the University of Louisville’s Health Sciences Center and is a part of KentuckyOne Health. As the region’s leading academic, research and teaching medical center, the UofL Health Sciences Center provides the latest medical advances, often long before they become available in non-teaching settings. The Brown Cancer Center is affiliated with the Kentucky Cancer Program and the National Cancer Institute. It is the only cancer center in the region to apply a unified approach to cancer care, with multidisciplinary teams of physicians and other health care professionals working together to guide patients through diagnosis, treatment and recovery. For more information, visit www.browncancercenter.org.