The most decorated gymnast in history is helping to make sure abused and maltreated children in Kentucky and southern Indiana can receive needed services.
Simone Biles and her husband, Jonathon Owens of the Chicago Bears, spent their weekend in Louisville attending the Kentucky Derby. The couple spent Friday at the Barnstable Brown Gala and on Derby Day, Biles gave the “Rider’s Up” command. On both days, the Olympian had statement making fashion.
Her black fascinator and her lilac Derby hat are now part of the Kosair for Kids “Hats on for Healing” auction. For four years, Kosair for Kids has solicited hat and fascinator donations for the auction. The gently used headpieces are collected, cleaned and prepared for the annual March auction.
According to Vice President of Events and Outreach for Kosair for Kids, Stephanie Smith, the day after Derby, volunteers are at area hotels, including The Omni, The Brown, The Seelbach and others, asking anyone if they would like to donate their hats and fascinators.
Kosair for Kids is an organization that provides services to “enhance the health and well-being of children.” The organization said Kentucky has had the worst “volumes of instances of child abuse and neglect, by more than the double the national average.” According to the 2023 Child Maltreatement report, one in 70 children in Kentucky experience abuse or neglect. The number in Indiana is one in 80.
Brown said on Sunday, May 4, volunteer Stephanie Atkins was at The Omni Hotel when she saw Biles. The two women started a conversation and Atkins explained what she was doing for Kosair and the Hats on for Healing auction. Biles, a victim of sexual assault, told Atkins to wait. The Olympian gathered the fascinator she wore at the Barnstable Brown Gala and her hat from the Derby and donated them both to the auction.
The money raised by the Hats on for Healing auction benefit the Kosair Kids Child Abuse Prevention Fund. This year’s event raised $55,000. The Biles’ donation could be a big financial boost to the organization and the event.
Senior Vice President of Communications for Kosair for Kids, Chris Williams said, “Simone Biles’ generous donation will allow us to raise some amazing funds.” He added, “She’s [Biles] made a stance in the past. Lending her hats, lets us have the conversations many don’t want to talk about.”
Every year volunteers collect hats and fascinators from hotels, but they also accept donations during the year. They collect anywhere from 250 to 350 pieces. Each is displayed and auctioned off at the event held each March. Brown said every year there are hats and fascinators of every color and style. She added, “They are fair priced and beautiful.”
Next year’s event is set for March 12, 2026 at The Olmstead. Ticket are $35 per person, but through Sunday, May 11, entering the code word: SIMONE will reduce the ticket price by $10.
The bidding website for both Biles’ pieces is up now. Those interested can place a bid or buy tickets to next year’s event.
