Newly Engaged Kate Upton Joins Bright Pink At The 2016 Kentucky Derby
Victoria’s Secret model Kate Upton was spotted at the 2016 Kentucky Derby shortly following the announcement that she and Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander are engaged, but Ms. Upton wasn’t attending the Derby strictly for enjoyment. Together with Churchill Downs, Ms. Upton is a supporter of Bright Pink, a charitable organization that promotes education and prevention of breast and ovarian cancer, and the Victoria’s Secret model took up an honorary role in the organization’s Survivor Parade at the Kentucky Derby.
Kate Upton Joins Bright Pink In The Fight Against Cancer
First appearing at the Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala, Kate Upton stunned the pre-race crowd with a bright red low-cut gown and a white jacket, but, according to E! Online, it was her sparkling engagement ring that drew the most eyes at the party. It was just one of many appearances for Upton, who also served as First Lady of the Longines Kentucky Oaks. That race was for 3-year-old fillies, the younger female horses.
Perhaps Kate’s most important role at the Derby was as an honorary member of the Bright Pink Survivor Parade. Upton was joined by 140 survivors of breast and ovarian cancer in the march celebrating the survivors’ victories over the disease and promoting early detection of cancer in women. Bright Pink shared a picture of Upton at the event with their Instagram followers.
“It’s official. We ?? @kateupton! Perfect day teaming up with Kate to inspire the @kentuckyderby crowd to practice breast and ovarian cancer prevention and early detection. #???? #kyderby #savinglives,” Bright Pink captioned the image.
“Such an honor to be a part of an amazing cause,” Upton said.
Kate Upton And Justin Verlander Are Officially Engaged!
While attending this year’s Meta Gala, Ms. Upton revealed the news and shared a stunning engagement ring, which Verlander designed himself.
“I’m really excited, he asked me right before season started so we’ve been keeping it on the down low for quite a while,” Ms. Upton said of the life-changing marriage proposal. “So I’m excited to finally be able to share it with the world!”
Kate also said that neither Verlander or herself were in any great hurry to set a date or make plans for the wedding. The Victoria’s Secret model says they want to enjoy the engagement period and not rush things along too quickly.
Upton and Justin have been dating for three years, with 23-year-old Kate hooking up with Verlander shortly after her break-up with Maksim Chmerkovskiy in December 2013. Justin and Kate had been seen in each other’s company many times in the early days of their courtship, but they escaped any real attention. However, in May 2013, when a random photograph happened to catch Verlander staring at Kate’s breasts. The picture didn’t seem to upset Upton, because things only heated up from there. Justin joined Upton and her family in celebrating her birthday at Chicago Cut Steakhouse, where the wait staff recognized long-time patron Verlander.
“Kate was with her boyfriend, sister and mother,” a source said. “Justin has been here before.”
After dinner, Kate and Justin ditched the family and headed out for a night on the town, which included stopping by Chicago’s Underground club, where Ms. Upton was said to have let her hair down with a group of friends.
“He was trying to be low-key, but she was up dancing with a fun group,” said an eyewitness. “They were the most fun group in the club that night.”
Since 2013, Kate Upton and Justin Verlander have continued to enjoy each other’s company, spending time in Cancun for a romantic vacation and even visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. It seems the happy couple is eager for more good times and a lifetime of loving one another.
[Image by Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for Churchill Downs]
