Immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind Kentucky Bluegrass experience amongst thoroughbred horses, the world’s finest Bourbons, Iconic music and an up-close encounter with a UH60 Blackhawk and Lakota helicopter at West Meadow Farm, in support of the Brotallion Blue Skies Foundation.

The Blue Skies Foundation is a national nonprofit 501(c)3, with a local footprint dedicated to supporting the Army Aviation community and its Gold Star Families. The families of Army aviation service members, who make the ultimate sacrifice, face unimaginable challenges, and it is our mission to step in during their time of need with direct financial support.

Events like the Blue Skies Bourbon Benefit help raise awareness and vital funds to support the mission's goal to lift up our Army Aviation Gold Star Families, through direct Financial aid, Support Services, Educational Assistance and Legacy Preservation.

Purchase your tickets, plan your trip and enjoy a Kentucky experience you will never forget! Thank you for supporting this noble cause.

Event Highlights:

VIP /Sponsor Social (4:30 PM – 5:30 PM) for VIP Ticket holders.

Exclusive early access for Sponsors and VIP ticket holders to mingle with the Blue Skies Foundation Veteran Founders, Thoroughbred Horse Farm owner, Melanie Defler, VIP’s from the Aeronautical, Equine & Bourbon industries and other special guests. Enjoy exclusive bourbon tasting with select Bourbon distillers, appetizers, and a special Jazz performance by Louisville's Buzzard. Sit in the seat of a Blackhawk or Lakota and have your photo taken with US Army Aircrew.

Dinner by Ramsi's Cafe on the World:

Indulge your wanderlust and savor the diverse international flavors prepared by owner Ramsi Kamar of Ramsi's Cafe, featuring a fusion of global flavors made with local ingredients.

Horses and Helicopters:

Imagine the joy and excitement of mingling with thoroughbred horses and army helicopters too. We are very excited to bring our guests the extra special opportunity to meet official Blackhawk Aircrew and experience the thrill of being up-close with a US Army UH60 Blackhawk and privately owned Lakota Helicopter making a special appearance in support of the Army Aviation community and their Gold Star Families. Much gratitude to our Presenting Sponsor, AOG Solutions and Brett Harlow for supporting the Blue Skies Foundation mission and brining along the Lakota.

Sip, Swirl and Savor Bourbon Tasting:

Experience the richness and complexity of Kentucky’s world famous Bourbon with some of the areas top bourbon distillers. Sample the unique tastes of wheats, ryes, double-oaked & single-barrel bourbons. For the educated bourbon enthusiast or beginners alike, tasting bourbon is an art form, so grab your event ticket and have fun learning to appreciate the symphony of scents that dance before you.

Live Music:

Relive the magic of The Doors and the summer of love, featuring lead singer, Johnny Edwards, previously with Foreigner, Louisville’s renowned Pete Petersen at the keys, and Hank Linderman, Guitarist and producer/engineer for America and Chicago, as they ignite the evening with their unmatched energy and talent!

Special Guests:

NASCAR Legend Andy Petree, renowned for his storied career as a championship-winning crew chief, driver, and team owner, "Andy Petree’s legacy in NASCAR speaks for itself. What few may know is that he is also a community hero.

Andy Petree along with Matt McSwain, another former NASCAR crew chief, organized a helicopter relief effort called "Operation Helo" to aid Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene, delivering supplies and rescuing people with his R-44 helicopter.

Bob Batch Comedy, bringing his unique comic genius. Bob Batch shared the stage with diverse musical legends like the Allman Brothers, Blood Sweat & Tears, Todd Rundgren & Utopia, Chicago, Temptations and many more. On her last tour, he also opened for Joan Rivers and followed Robin Williams on stage in New York.

Silent Auction Fun ~ Bid on original oil paintings, framed art & prints, handmade art, specialty and allocated bourbons, a beautiful array of offerings from all over the country, and much more.

Wine Lover’s Wine Pull ~ Make a bet (donation) of $25 and choose a mystery bottle of wine to take home. Your bottle could be a thoroughbred winner!

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, May 31, 2025

Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM EST (VIP Sponsor Social begins at 4:30 PM)

Location: West Meadow Horse Farm
2218 Ellis Rd, Eminence, KY 40019

Attire: Cocktail / Festive Please note there are rocky and grassy areas to traverse. Ladies, a chunky heel will be more practical.

Guests under the age of 21 will not be permitted to attend this event. Regulations by the State of Kentucky and strict terms of our Temporary ABC Special Event License require us to post notice that disallows any persons under the age of 21 to be present. Please contact Mary Lynne at Marylynne@flybbsf.org if you have any questions.

Tickets and Sponsorships:

General Admission: $125 Includes dinner, bourbon tasting, one free drink ticket, and live entertainment.

VIP Tickets: $175 Includes VIP Social Hour (4:30-5:30) dinner, two drink tickets, bourbon tasting, and live entertainment.

Event tickets are limited. Like rare allocated bourbon, seating is limited for this event. Watch for social media notifications on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, when tickets are available to purchase.

Corporate Sponsorship Packages are available: Enjoy exclusive benefits, including guest tickets, early access to the VIP Social Hour, special BBSF swag, live Jazz performance by Louisville's Buzzard, special Bourbon Tasting, corporate recognition during the event, and more. Please email Marylynne@flybbsf.org for information on sponsorship packages.

Blue Skies Bourbon Tasting Experience Are you ready for a tasting experience with some of the best distillery brands on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?

Here’s your chance, because they’re bringing the FUN straight from the distillery to you at West Meadow Farm.

Learn about each unique Founder's story, have fun identifying the essence and flavors of ryes and wheats, grab some swag, sip, and swirl while horses meander by.

Our Gold Star Bourbon Partners
Huge thank you to our amazing Bourbon Distillery Partners who are making this experience possible for guests of the Blue Skies Bourbon Benefit:

Kentucky Peerless Distilling

Owner Corky Taylor

Whiskey Thief Distilling Co

Owner Walter Rauch

Four Branches

Michter's Distillery

Evan Williams

and more to be revealed!

Lodging Recommendations: Click here.

This event would not be possible without the generosity of our corporate sponsors, Bourbon Partners, volunteers and ticket holders. We are so grateful and happy to bring this amazing experience to you, and continue our mission to honor the lives of our aviation community heroes and their Gold Star Families. Thank you.

Much love and gratitude goes to Melanie Defler, owner of West Meadow Farm. Thank you for supporting The Blue Skies Foundation and the Nation’s Army Aviation Gold Star Families.

Visit West Meadow Farm. Click here.

To learn more about the Brotallion Blue Skies Foundation, click here.

The Blue Skies Bourbon Benefit

Experience Kentucky's Finest