Beginning in July, Blue Grass Farms Charities will launch its inaugural matching gift campaign, “Gallop and Graze,” to further the mission of the charity.
Founded in 2003, Blue Grass Farm Charities' purpose is to provide health and human services to those working in the Thoroughbred racing community. With a commitment to this mission, BGFC is proud to announce Gallop and Graze, a matching campaign to provide continued services and assistance to our backstretch and farm community.
Keeneland has kicked off this campaign with a $20,000 gift and the Mary K. Oxley Foundation has also stepped forward with a $10,000 gift. With a goal of $200,000 to be reached by the close of 2020, BGFC is requesting individuals and businesses who benefit from the horse industry to consider making a $10,000 contribution to help meet this goal.
“Our partnership with Keeneland has strengthened considerably during the Nourish the Backstretch program,” said Julie Berry, BGFC Executive Director. “Both entities see a great need for assistance to support the horsemen and their families. Besides food insecurity, other benevolent services such as housing and medical assistance, are needed. The Nourish the Backstretch program has ended, but we are still dealing with a pandemic and the financial burden brought on by it.”
Blue Grass Farms Charities has been selected as Keeneland's industry charity during its Summer Meet scheduled July 8-12.
“Keeneland is proud of our partnership with Blue Grass Farms Charities and the needs we are able to address, first through Nourish the Backstretch and now Gallop and Graze,” Keeneland President and CEO Bill Thomason said. “Backstretch and farm employees are racing's front-line heroes and we are grateful for their commitment to show up every day to care for the horses. In appreciation for their hard work and dedication, the horse industry must do all we can to support and provide for this community.”
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