Kruytbosch to be honored at Crystal Heart Gala

The late Luke Kruytbosch, who served for a decade as the “Voice of the Kentucky Derby” in his role as announcer at historic Churchill Downs, will be honored on Saturday as the American Heart Association holds its 17th annual Crystal Heart Gala at the Louisville Marriott Downtown. Kruytbosch, who provided the vivid and exciting on-track calls of each Kentucky Derby from 1999-2008, died suddenly last July at the age of 47. It appeared that heart disease was the cause of his death.

The Crystal Heart Gala raises money for the American Heart Association, which funds education, advocacy and scientific research to fight heart disease and stroke. The gala has a special emphasis on childhood heart disease. The snazzy Saturday evening black-tie event features fine food, great auction items and music and annually raises money to fight heart disease and stroke. The Gala is annually a hot ticket each year that attracts many of Kentuckiana’s business and medical community leaders. This year’s event begins at 6 p.m. (EST).

Churchill Downs has stepped into a position of prominence for the Crystal
Heart Gala to honor its late announcer and focus attention on heart disease, the
nation’s number-one cause of death for men and women. John Asher, the track’s vice president of racing communications, is chairman for the 2009
Crystal Heart Gala. For 2009, Gala Director Michael Neumann has added carnival
midway games, where attendees can win locally donated gift certificates and
merchandise. Entry requires an admission fee, but there’s no limit on play once
inside. Games include beanbag toss, ring toss, skee ball, tip-a-troll and
others.

There also is an open bar, live and bid-board
auctions, and music by Gayle King and the Pendulum Orchestra.

Some tickets are still available at $500 per person/$1,000 per
couple. Corporate tables and sponsorships are also still available. For
more information, to sponsor the gala or to order tickets, call 502-587-8641.

Churchill Downs is one of a number of corporations whose involvement in the
gala is stellar. The University of Louisville is a top sponsor—the Heart Society
Champion, a three-year commitment. River Road Asset Management is also a key
Crystal Heart Gala sponsor.