The Fast Track to Bright Futures Pathways Derby Party Returns

The Fast Track to Bright Futures

Pathways Derby Party Returns

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

The excitement of the Kentucky Derby met a powerful mission over the weekend as Pathways hosted its milestone 10th Annual Derby Party—an evening filled with celebration, community, and purpose.

Veronica A. Nunley, MA, CPS, Chief of Marketing and Public Relations for Pathways, reflected on the long journey to this year’s event. Nunley, who has been with Pathways for 33 years, shared that while the Pathways for a Bright Futures Foundation was established in 2012, the Derby-themed tradition began a few years later. “The first event, All American Bash, was held August 22, 2015, at the Old Post Office. The first Derby event, Derby Day for Autism was held May 7, 2016. This is our tenth Derby Day event.”

And with a decade under its belt, the celebration has only grown stronger. “Yes! Last year’s Derby Day was a lot of fun and a great success!” Nunley said, noting that this year’s event continued that tradition of success.

Guests at the Derby Party were treated to an evening that blended classic Derby flair with lively entertainment. Attendees watched the big race in real time on large screens, enjoyed delicious food and beverages, and danced the night away. Festivities included a Derby Hat contest, a bow tie contest, a Silent Auction, and the ever-popular Cork Pond. As Nunley explained, “The Cork Pond is a fundraising game of chance. Party goers can pay to ‘fish’ a cork out of a bowl with a number on it. A corresponding number is attached to a bottle of alcohol – wine, bourbon, whiskey, etc. Participants take a chance on getting a really desirable bottle of alcohol or a less desirable one.”

This year’s celebration also featured familiar and new faces, with Jill York returning as emcee and a fresh energy brought by DJ Tom McKnight. But for Nunley, the heart of the event goes beyond the entertainment. “We watch the race in real time on big screens – that’s always exciting. But meeting and greeting individuals who are committed to helping the Foundation is special. We get an opportunity to tell folks what we’ve been able to help with throughout the year and this year, we’ll get to talk about the proposed new Autism Services Center.”

That mission is what truly sets the Derby Party apart. Proceeds from the event support the Pathways to Bright Futures Foundation, which focuses on three critical areas: youth substance abuse and suicide prevention, autism services, and special projects that address urgent community needs. “The Foundation seeks to fill the gaps where no other resources are available,” Nunley explained.

This year, the impact is especially significant. “A minimum of 50% of the proceeds will go to the new proposed Autism Services Center in Grayson, Kentucky.” The planned center represents a major step forward in addressing a growing need across the region.

Currently, more than 170 children are on a waitlist for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services, a critical therapy for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Early intervention has been shown to significantly improve developmental, cognitive, and social outcomes, while delays can limit progress and long-term independence. Yet demand far exceeds capacity. Pathways’ existing autism center in Boyd County has already served 115 clients, but space limitations and staffing realities mean many families must wait months—or even years—for services.

The new Autism Services Center aims to change that. Designed as a state-of-the-art facility, it will expand access to evaluations, therapies, and family support, while also training professionals and partnering with schools throughout the region. The anticipated impact includes reduced wait times, earlier intervention, improved outcomes for children, and stronger support systems for families.

Nunley highlighted that the Foundation’s work already has a tangible impact on lives throughout the community. “A few examples of what the Foundation has funded include: purchase of a special locking and alarm system for grandparents with custody of three grandchildren, including one child with autism; sewer repair for a couple who would have had to leave their home and Pathways services without the repair; assisting with training for a service dog and a child who needed the service animal to attend public school; and building a ramp for a gentleman who otherwise would not have been able to leave him home.”

She added, “These are just a few examples. If funds were advertised as restricted to Autism Services, the Foundation helped establish the first Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities. The Foundation helped purchase play therapy equipment, occupational therapy equipment, and special iPads and other electronic devices to assist with provision of services.”

Pathways itself plays a vital role in making these initiatives possible. “Pathways is a CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) accredited Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic – the only one in the region!” Nunley said. “This means that in addition to quality mental health services, intellectual and developmental disabilities services, crisis and emergency services, substance use disorder services (prevention, treatment – outpatient and residential, and recovery supports), Pathways can offer primary care services to its consumers and the community. These preventive and primary care services, along with care coordination, are life-changing and life saving!”

As Pathways celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, its reach continues to grow. “We have over 30 locations in the ten counties we serve – Bath, Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Greenup, Lawrence, Menifee, Morgan, Montgomery, and Rowan. Pathways has outpatient offices in each of these counties.”

The Derby Party, while festive and fun, serves as a reminder of that larger mission. Behind every hat contest, every dance, and every cork pulled from the pond is a commitment to improving lives across the region.

And as guests cheered on the race this weekend, they were also helping to build something lasting—greater access to care, stronger communities, and brighter futures for the children and families who need it most.