Louisville, KY- Thursday, April 18, 2019: The Trifecta Gala, an official event of the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Derby Festival has announced that ESSENCE will serve as the official media sponsor for this year’s event. The 2019 Trifecta Gala is the premier Derby Eve event of the Kentucky Derby, and will be held on Friday, May 3, 2019 at the KFC YUM! Center in downtown Louisville. The annual celebration, presented by former NBA star and Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company CEO Junior Bridgeman and his family, is known for bringing together influential individuals within sports, music, politics, business and cinema, in order to raise awareness and develop a call-to-action for disadvantage youth as well as for cancer and autism research in various communities.

For nearly 50 years, ESSENCE has been a passionate resource; providing information and inspiration for women across the globe to achieve their dreams. Today, ESSENCE is once again 100% Black-owned and has evolved beyond its flagship magazine to serve Black women deeply as a digital-first, content, technology and commerce company. ESSENCE is also the producer of the annual ESSENCE Festival, the world’s largest cultural, entertainment and empowerment experience and celebration of Black culture.

“For years our family has relied on Essence magazine as guide to news and what’s happening in and around our community,” says Eden Bridgeman, daughter of Junior Bridgeman and chair of this year’s Trifecta Gala. “Because theirs is a media brand that celebrates cultural and relevant excellence, we are confident this is a partnership that will only enhance the overall guest experience and event itself!”

“The Bridgeman family and the Trifecta Gala represent our culture and our community, and the event’s purpose-driven <> mission is aligned with the spirit of the ESSENCE brand.,” says Moana Luu, ESSENCE Chief Content & Creative Officer. “As the official media partner for this year’s fete, we are thrilled to present our storytelling at the storied Kentucky Derby!”

In addition to the recent ESSENCE partnership, the 2019 Trifecta Gala is shaping to be one of the Kentucky Derby’s most talked about events. Last month, The Bridgeman family announced that R&B superstar Usher will headline the event during an exclusive and limited performance at the gala.

Sponsored by Coca-Cola, Baccarat, GH Mumm, Miss Jessie’s, Tito’s Vodka, Diageo-Circoc, Crown Royal, Bulliet, Churchill Downs, Bachman Auto Group and Meijer, the 2019 Trifecta Gala will benefit several charities that have partnered with the Bridgeman Charitable Group for this special occasion, including The V. Foundation, The Louisville West End School and The University of Louisville Autism Center.

Tickets are available for purchase at www.trifectagala.com http://www.trifectagala.com/.