LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Run for the Roses™ may be more than five months away, but Churchill Downs and the James Graham Brown Cancer Center at the University of Louisville are at work now to create an exciting weekend of entertainment. The Julep Ball, the premier Derby Eve Party with a Purpose, is proud to announce it has partnered with Churchill Downs as an Official Event of the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands. "We are proud to align our brand with this great event that celebrates the Kentucky Derby and simultaneously raises money and awareness to fight cancer," said Churchill Downs' Vice President of Marketing & Brand Development Jeff Koleba. Keeping with tradition, the Julep Ball will be held the night before the Kentucky Derby, on Friday, May 2, 2014, at the KFC Yum! Center. "We are thrilled to establish The Julep Ball as an Official Kentucky Derby Event," said Sarah Mitchell, director of The Julep Ball.