BCI To Host Kentucky Derby Gala, Discounted Tickets Available Through February 14th
Boone Center, Inc. (BCI)— a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the lives of adults with disabilities through employment opportunities—invites the community to attend its Derby After Dark Gala on Saturday, May 2. The event will be held from 4 to 9:30 p.m. in the new Brilliance Ballroom at Ameristar Casino Resort Spa in St. Charles, Mo.
At the Kentucky Derby-themed event, BCI will celebrate individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional dedication to inclusive practices and supporting adults with disabilities. Tim Connell will receive BCI’s historic Loving Hands Award for his steadfast advocacy and commitment to the disability community. Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital will be honored as Employment Partner of the Year for its outstanding work in sustaining and expanding vocational training and competitive employment opportunities. Additionally, local manufacturing firm Bettalic, Inc. will be honored as Customer of the Year for its ongoing commitment to funnel work to BCI Packaging, which directly employs 230 adults with disabilities in meaningful work.
Event tickets include an open bar, dinner, live music, dancing, a live stream of the Kentucky Derby, best-dressed contests, a silent auction, and more. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Early Bird tickets are $175 through February 14 and $200 afterward. All proceeds support the expansion of BCI’s summer work programs, which provide paid, first-job experiences for high school students with disabilities. Tickets are available online at https://app.betterunite.com/2026gala.
“We are excited to honor the remarkable individuals and organizations who share our vision of a world where disabilities are not barriers,” said BCI CEO Troy Compardo. “Their steadfast support has made a meaningful difference in the lives of adults with disabilities, helping them achieve purpose and reach their full potential through work. We invite the community to join us at the gala to celebrate these achievements and support our mission.”
Founded in 1959, BCI creates employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Headquartered at 200 Trade Center Drive in St. Peters, Missouri, BCI employs approximately 230 adults through its organizational employment program. Additionally, the nonprofit supports nearly 200 individuals annually through competitive employment and vocational training programs. BCI delivers services across St. Charles, Lincoln, and St. Louis counties in Missouri, as well as the Metro East counties of Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair in Illinois. BCI operates as Imagine Technical Institute in southwest Missouri, providing competitive employment services in Taney, Greene, Stone, and Christian counties. For more information, call (636) 875-5267 or visit https://www.boonecenter.com/.