LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Barnstable Brown Gala is a premier event of Kentucky Derby week. Monday, it announced it is donating $1 million in proceeds from the party, to the University of Kentucky Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center. 

2024 marked the 35th year for the Barnstable Brown party and it has given over $21 million for diabetes treatment and research.

The Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center was established in 2008 and, according to a release from Chris Barnstable Brown, over 22,000 patients were treated in 2023. Patricia Barnstable Brown, Priscilla Barnstable and their mother, Wilma, made the initial funding pledge to support the center in memory of Patricia Barnstable Brown’s husband, David, who died of diabetes complications in 2003.

“This $1 million donation from the Barnstable Brown Brown Gala is another transformative donation for the Center and the battle against diabetes,” said Dr. Simon Fisher, Director of the University of Kentucky Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center. “The Barnstable Brown family’s longstanding support has made a tremendous impact on the care we provide here in Kentucky and on the research we conduct to advance diabetes care around the world.”

“When we started the Barnstable Brown Gala over 36 years ago, our goal was to build something lasting to help the millions of people who suffer from diabetes. Our 2024 Gala was in honor of my granddaughter Catherine, who was recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center has exceeded all of our expectations,” said Tricia Barnstable Brown. “This gift is only possible because of the generosity and kindness of our many ticket buyers, sponsors and celebrity guests.”