Brown-Forman Corp. and its Early Times® Mint Julep are the 2012 presenting sponsors of The Julep, which is set for May 4 at the Galt House Hotel and Suites, 140 North 4th St., Louisville.

This year, The Julep will bring the focus back to simple elegance. Adopting a “black tie optional” outlook, guests are welcome to come to the event straight from the track without having to change into a tuxedo or ball gown.

As always, the Julep will host local and national business leaders, horse industry professionals and celebrities from sports, music, cinema and television to help raise money for the Cancer Center. The evening will feature a celebrity red carpet entrance, cocktail reception, dinner, dancing and silent auction. The scientists and patients at the forefront of cancer treatment and delivery will be honored and saluted for their efforts.

The Julep, formerly known as the Julep Ball, was sold out in 2011 and had more than 1,000 people from across the country in attendance.

Proceeds from The Julep help the James Graham Brown Cancer Center continue its mission of finding answers to cancer. Since 2005 more than $1.5 million in net proceeds from the Derby Eve event have gone directly to improve the lives of cancer patients and their families. Get more information and tickets.