Blessings in a Backpack fills kids with Derby joy

Kids at Engelhard Elementary School experienced the excitement of Derby on a smaller scale.

The Unbridled Charitable Foundation created an “Unbridled Afternoon” filled with celebrities, food, and fun for the 12-and-under crowd.

The foundation is the charitable arm of Unbridled Eve, an annual fundraising gala held the Friday night before Derby. This year, the foundation partnered with Blessings in a Backpack to surprise kids with appearances from local celebrities, media personalities and larger-than-life mascots, including Louisville Water’s very own Tapper.

The star-studded lineup included:

• J.D. Shelburne, country singer
• Mario Urrutia, University of Louisville football player
• Akoy Agau, former University of Louisville basketball player
• Monica Hardin, media personality
• Ginny on the Job, media personality
• Churchill Charlie, Churchill Downs mascot

The Blessings in a Backpack program serves school kids who are at risk of going hungry on the weekends. Tap here to donate.