Churchill Donates to Charities, University

Organizations that worked with Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands and Longines Kentucky Oaks (both grade I) have been presented $222,705 in checks for their Derby and Oaks week efforts.

A donation of $117,705 was presented to Chicago-based Bright Pink, a non-profit organization focused on the prevention, and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in young women, along with support for high-risk individuals. With the 2015 donation, Bright Pink has received $174,705 from Churchill through its Oaks partnership the last two years.



A donation of $30,000 was presented to Horses and Hope, the cancer outreach initiative in Kentucky's horse industry launched by Kentucky First Lady Jane Beshear. The donation represents $1 from each on-track sale of the "Oaks Lily," the signature drink of the Oaks, and supports Horses and Hope's programs and outreach at racetracks and farms in Kentucky's horse industry. With its 2015 donation, Churchill has donated a total of $210,000 to Horses and Hope during its seven-year partnership.



Two donations grew from the fifth annual "Taste of Derby Presented by Stella Artois" celebration June 30 that highlighted racing cuisine, celebrity, and style, with more than 1,500 patrons in attendance.



Louisville-based food bank Dare to Care received a donation of $50,000 as a partner charity in "Taste of Derby" since 2010. Since the inaugural "Taste of Derby" in 2010, Churchill Downs has donated a total of $138,760 to Dare to Care.



Also receiving a "Taste of Derby" donation was the Sullivan University National Center for Hospitality Studies Culinary Arts Program, which was presented a check for $25,000. The award for the program on Louisville's Sullivan campus recognized "Taste of Derby" support by the Culinary Arts Program, which opens its kitchens to visiting chefs who participate in the annual Derby and Oaks Week event, with the program's students assisting in the event.