From runway to rescue: Donated Kentucky Derby hats help fund child abuse prevention

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- They’re colorful, creative and the signature fashion statement of Derby Day — but now, those same hats are being used to protect children across Kentucky and southern Indiana.

Kosair for Kids kicked off its fourth annual "Hats On for Healing" campaign Monday, transforming donated Derby hats into funding for the nonprofit’s Child Abuse Prevention Fund.

Inside Kosair’s headquarters in Louisville, volunteers spent the day sorting, stacking, and boxing hundreds of hats donated after this year’s Kentucky Derby — including several from Olympic champion Simone Biles.

“Her words were, ‘I hope these bring you a lot of money for your fund,’” said Stephanie Atkins, a longtime volunteer and retired kindergarten teacher who helped collect the hats. “It happened so fast, but for somebody like her to be so generous — it was incredibly rewarding for our event.”

Volunteers started early the morning after the Derby, visiting major hotels across downtown Louisville to collect hats left behind by racegoers.

“People just stop and donate their hats. Some already know about us, because they’ve done it in the past,” Atkins said. “And this year, with Simone Biles’ hats, we’re hoping to draw even more attention to our mission.”

That mission includes raising money for programs that educate the public, support families and fund advocates who stand up for children in court.

“What the Hats On for Healing auction does is allow us to raise money and awareness to protect children,” said Chris Williams, senior vice president of communications at Kosair Charities and a father of four. “All of the money raised goes back into prevention, education and volunteer support.”

Kosair Charities also uses the auction as a platform to give voice to survivors of abuse and their families. At its most recent prevention luncheon, a mother shared the harrowing story of what her young son endured.

"You could hear my nonverbal baby whine and cry in pain," she said. "Nobody wanted to believe the abuse was actually happening. But when I finally realized the truth, I remember running upstairs to wake my husband. He couldn’t understand me because I was shaking so hard.”

The family worked with prosecutors to bring the abuser to justice — and ultimately had her nursing license permanently revoked in every state.

“If not for Kosair for Kids, I wouldn’t have this platform to help Gabriel and other children,” the mother said.

For Williams, stories like these are painful but necessary.

“No one wants to talk about child abuse and neglect, but we have to if we’re going to protect all children,” he said. “Most of the time, it’s not a stranger. It’s someone the child knows — a family member, a caregiver, someone in their circle. That’s why awareness is so important.”

The auction raised more than $52,000 in 2023. With Biles’ high-profile donation, organizers hope this year’s total will be even higher.

“Simone Biles is the GOAT when it comes to gymnastics,” Williams said. “But she’s also the GOAT when it comes to raising awareness for child abuse.”

The Hats On for Healing online auction is now live. Anyone can view the collection, place a bid, or donate directly by visiting www.kosair.org or clicking here.

Teen accused of raping 7-year-old on southern Indiana school bus will be tried as an adult

Bardstown community hopes Brooks Houck's trial brings answers in Crystal Rogers case

Patrick's closes after decades as popular Frankfort Avenue bar in Louisville