2026 Diamonds and Denim Gala Live Auction List

Ben and Denise Johnston

  • Bourbon Excursion on My Old Kentucky Dinner Train in Bardstown, KY

    Relax while you enjoy a 2½ hour excursion through the countryside, a gourmet 4-course meal, and a bourbon tasting hosted by a master distiller! The train features beautifully restored 1940’s vintage dining cars pulled by two 1950’s locomotives. Throughout the journey, you’ll travel by the Jim Beam distillery, Jesse James’ safe house, and the Jackson Hollow Trestle in the Bernheim Forest. The delicious prix fixe meal is prepared fresh while en route by a culinary team. Master distillers teach you the history and crafting of the bourbon while you enjoy the perfectly paired bourbon with your fine dining meal! This package is for 4 guests and includes an overnight stay at Bourbon Manor. The property holds the distinction of being the world’s first bourbon-themed bed & breakfast. Your stay includes a gourmet, bourbon-themed breakfast.

  • Solve the Case on the Bardstown Murder Mystery Train; stay at the Jailer’s Inn!

    A memorable journey for four on My Old Kentucky Dinner Train that’s sure to keep you guessing. While riding through the scenic countryside, you’ll enjoy a gourmet 4-course meal and live murder mystery show. The elegant train cars are the perfect setting of intrigue as you participate in the murder mystery. It’s a dinner you won’t forget. Enjoy an overnight stay for 4 in beautiful Bardstown, declared the Most Beautiful Small Town in America, by USA Today. Enjoy the Southern charm on several stops along the Bourbon Trail. The passenger cars were built in the late 1940s after World War II. This package includes accommodation at the Jailer’s Inn, a property that housed prisoners from 1797 until 1987. The "Old Jail" was constructed in 1819 and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, as it was the oldest operating jail complex in the state of Kentucky.

  • Ellis Park Day at the Races!

    Enjoy a day of live Kentucky Thoroughbred racing at Ellis Park during the 2027 season! Table for four in the private Turf Club with your own outdoor seating area. You’ll have your name printed in the racing program and featured on the jumbotron! Head to the paddock and pick the "Best Turned-Out Horse" in your feature race and reward the groom with a gift certificate.

    Donated by: Ellis Park Racing & Gaming

  • Vacation House at Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

    Awaiting you is a beautiful 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom beach home in Garden City Beach, South Carolina! Vacation in this fully furnished beach house for 1 full week in the spring or fall. Located close to the historic fishing village of Murrells Inlet and only one block from the beach. This estate features 2 King beds, 3 Queen beds, 2 Full size bunk sets, a private heated pool with wading area, private hot tub, private boat ramp, floating dock, covered porches on two levels, enclosed outdoor poolside shower and shuffleboard. Subject to availability.

    Donated by: Eagle Heights

  • UK Basketball tickets and stay

    Watch the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena! The two tickets are in section 230, row H, seats 3 & 4 with chair backs in the lower section. This package includes a Saturday night stay at the Citation, next to Rupp Arena. This unit, named Citation after the legendary American Triple Crown winner, is in a newly renovated unit in a luxury Airbnb property. You will have access to your own private unit, one parking spot, the community patio area and the snack/coffee bar in the lobby, which is stocked with delicious local treats. This includes a $200 gift card for dinner at one of Lexington’s famous restaurants.

    Donated by Chris and Lonna Hopgood

  • Keeneland Horse Racing and Bourbon Weekend

    Tickets for four exciting live thoroughbred racing at Keeneland in April! Enjoy the 2027 Spring Race Meet in your Reserved Grandstand Seating. Count your winnings while spending a relaxing evening at The Kentucky Castle in Versailles, KY, with an overnight stay. After your day at the races, tour a local distillery in scenic Woodford County where you’ll learn the art of making and tasting "Kentucky bourbon"! Choose your favorite distillery for a tour-Buffalo Trace, Town Branch, Woodford Reserve, or the distillery of your choice. This package includes two overnight stays, in two accommodations at the Kentucky Castle and dinner is included for one night. No availability on Mondays, Tuesdays, Saturdays, or Easter Sunday.

  • 2026 Country Music Awards Package

    Two lower-level seats to the 60th Annual Country Music Awards on Wednesday, November 18, 2026 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN. This package includes two passes to access the exclusive Lexus Lounge in the Bridgestone Arena, with food and open bar all evening. Stay one night at the Downtown Nashville Hotel after the show.

  • Custom Dog Portrait by Local Artist Iris Gentry

    Iris Gentry will create a one-of-a-kind custom 11 x 14 oil painting on canvas painting of your beloved dog! Local Artist, Iris Gentry, resides in Henderson and is a full-time artist. Her award-winning work is part of numerous private and corporate collections including the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art, and Solarbron Retirement Community of Evansville, IN. Having studied at Murray State University, University of Kentucky and Brescia University, Iris continues to work in multiple mediums on landscapes, florals and portraits. Iris enjoys working in oils and pastels, she says, "the richness of the palette never disappoints as the boldness of color is so exciting." Place your bid now and celebrate your cherished family member with a lasting tribute for years to come.

    Donated by Iris Gentry