Ring in the New Year at the Wine and Bourbon Ball
A Night of Elegance, Entertainment, and Giving Back
Sasha Bush
The Ashland Beacon
As the clock ticks down to midnight this New Year’s Eve, there's an event in Ashland, Kentucky that promises to make the celebration unforgettable—and it’s all for a great cause. The annual Wine and Bourbon Ball, hosted by Neighbors Helping Neighbors (The Neighborhood) in collaboration with The United Way, is a 10-year tradition that combines elegance, entertainment, and philanthropy in one spectacular evening.
Held at the Delta Marriott, which is located at 1441 Winchester Ave, Ashland, KY, from 8:00 PM to 1:00 AM on December 31, 2024, this New Year’s Eve celebration will feature a formal gathering with all the glamour you’d expect from such an event. Whether you’re there to enjoy the company of friends or to support a good cause, this night is sure to create lasting memories.
The Wine and Bourbon Ball is far from just a fancy party. It's a key fundraiser for The Neighborhood—a collaborative effort that supports local agencies including CAReS, The Ashland Community Kitchen, The Dressing Room, River Cities Harvest, Community Action, and Clean Start. These organizations provide critical services to individuals in need, and the funds raised at the event help sustain their important work.
Jeremy Holbrook, the Executive Director for Neighbors Helping Neighbors, shared a little insight into the event's origins. “The Wine and Bourbon Ball was a collaboration started by Neighbors Helping Neighbors and The United Way 10 years ago to raise funds for the partnering agencies inside of The Neighborhood,” Holbrook noted.
This year’s festivities promise a delightful mix of indulgence and entertainment. Guests will enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres, including a filet mignon carving station (catering provided by The Winchester), and will have the opportunity to sample premium bourbon and wine. But it’s not just about eating and drinking—there will be live music, dancing, and games, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the evening.
As the night progresses, expect a range of exciting events, including a silent auction, a Bourbon Raffle, and a Wine Pull, where guests can win amazing prizes while helping to raise funds for those in need. Of course, the night will culminate in a midnight champagne toast to ring in 2025 in style.
For Holbrook, this event is not only about raising money—it’s also about bringing the community together. “Personally, I enjoy having the chance to talk to people and express my gratitude for their support of our programs and partnering agencies,” he said. “We utilize the proceeds of this event to help offset the operational expenses of our 33,000 square foot facility. In 2024, we’ve had over 20,000 individual check-ins and provided over 435,000 services, amounting to $4.2 million in assistance. This event helps us make ends meet for our fiscal year.”
What’s more, the Wine and Bourbon Ball isn’t just a fun night—it’s become a tool to foster lasting friendships and connections. “Over the past few years, some of our first-time attendees have come to learn about the mission of our organization and have become volunteers with our partnering agencies,” Holbrook explained. “We love having a great time (and this is definitely an amazingly fun time), but I’m truly blessed that it’s become more than just an event. It’s a tool that gathers people, celebrates our growth and accomplishments, and even recruits new ‘helpers’ to join the movement and make our community stronger.”
As Neighbors Helping Neighbors looks toward 2025, Holbrook is excited about new initiatives that will expand their impact in the community. “We have major goals for 2025, including a new focus on workforce development,” he said. “We’ll be offering multiple classes—not just for our clients but for the community as well. Whether you're interested in obtaining your GED, enhancing your soft skills, improving digital literacy, or preparing for the workforce, we have resources available. We want to help people develop the skills they need to become self-sustaining.”
Holbrook emphasized that one of the organization's key measures of success is no longer just the number of people they serve, but rather the number of people who, after receiving services, are able to thrive independently. “Our success is about helping clients become self-sufficient, and this event helps us support that vision,” he explained.
The Wine and Bourbon Ball is open to individuals and businesses alike. Single tickets are $160, while couples can attend for $300. For those looking to make an even bigger impact, Table Sponsorships are available, ranging from $1,200 to $3,000.
Table Sponsors and individual tickets can be purchased online at www.TheNeighborhood-Ashland.org.
Whether you’re attending to ring in the new year with style, support local causes, or connect with like-minded individuals, the Wine and Bourbon Ball promises to be an unforgettable evening. So, grab your tickets, put on your finest attire, and get ready for a night of celebration, community, and giving back. See you at the Delta Marriott on December 31st!
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