Video: Former NFL quarterback Warren Moon on Kentucky Derby red carpet
Watch Warren Moon on the red carpet to hear his thoughts on the Kentucky Derby.
Scott Utterback, Louisville Courier Journal
Two of the Kentucky Derby’s most loyal celebrity regulars were spotted dining at Jeff Ruby’s, 324 W. Main St., in downtown Louisville, a full three weeks before the 2026 Kentucky Derby.
On April 8, Pro Football Hall of Famer Warren Moon and “The Bachelor” alum Bob Guiney hosted a special charity dinner for the winners of an auction package offered at last year’s Unbridled Eve Derby Gala. The duo, longtime supporters of the event, turned the evening into an early Derby‑season celebration for the lucky guests.
Linda Needham of Ronaldo Designer Jewelry purchased the auction item as a 60th birthday gift for her brother, Michael Scheser, the CEO of the family’s handcrafted jewelry business in Southern Indiana.
“It’s one of the most generous things that has ever been given to me and an experience that not many people get to have,” Scheser told The Courier Journal. “I mean how often are you going to have dinner with a Hall of Fame quarterback and a TV icon who are also so kind and engaging and willing to have a great time with my family?”
Moon and Guiney have donated their celebrity dinner to the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala auction for several years. The pair forged a close friendship more than 20 years ago at the Kentucky Derby and have returned annually ever since as guests of gala co‑founders Tonya York and Tammy York Day.
Between courses and plenty of lively conversation, Guiney explained why he and Moon remain committed to supporting the Derby‑week tradition with their yearly gift.
“Warren flew in from Seattle and I flew in from Detroit for this dinner,” he said. “It’s just such a pleasure to be able to give back in this way to the York sisters who do so much for this community and the charities Unbridled Derby Eve Gala supports.”
In addition to enjoying the chance to spend time with the lucky auction winners each year, Guiney admitted he and Moon never miss an opportunity to dine at Jeff Ruby’s.
“Oh yeah, we love it,” he said. “In fact, this is the table we request every time we eat here.”
Needham, who snapped up this year’s celebrity dinner as a surprise for her brother, told The Courier Journal she’s no stranger to winning big at the event’s auction. Over the years, she’s walked away with an impressive lineup of prizes — from this star‑studded dinner at Jeff Ruby’s with Moon and Guiney, to a signed guitar from one of her favorite musicians, a luxury vacation package, and even a coveted trip to The Masters in Augusta, Georgia.
“I wanted to do something very special for my brother and I know how much he enjoys this restaurant and admires Warren and Bob, so this was a no brainer,” she said.
The 2026 Unbridled Eve Derby Gala returns to the Galt House Hotel’s Grand Ballroom on Friday, May 1, promising another unforgettable night of glamour, generosity, and high‑energy bidding — all to support the gala’s charity beneficiaries.
This year’s auction lineup is stacked with standout experiences. In addition to another exclusive dinner hosted by Moon and Guiney, guests can vie for premium sports packages, luxury travel escapes, rare and highly sought‑after bourbons, and even a private guitar lesson with rock legend Richie Sambora. The offerings continue with custom‑designed bracelets from Ronaldo Jewelry, equestrian‑inspired pieces from Bridleberry Leather Tack Company, and a variety of other one‑of‑a‑kind items that make the gala’s auction a Derby Eve favorite.
For tickets to the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala and a full list of auction items and raffles, visit unbridledeve.com.
Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at [email protected].
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.courier-journal.com ’
