Keeneland: Fulfilling its Mission of Caring for the Community INTRODUCTION Keeneland has a rich history of community Runhappy Scholarships. Since October Partnership with Maker’s Mark activism dating back to 1936 when its found- 2002, Keeneland’s College Scholarship Keeneland and Maker’s Mark partnered in ers conceived a model race track intended to Day has distributed $332,000 in scholar- 1997 to annually produce a commemorative serve as a leader in the Thoroughbred indus- ships. Maker’s Mark bottle. Sales of the bottle have try and in Central Kentucky. • Keeneland Kids Club – The Keeneland generated more than $8.2 million in charita- Today, this philanthropic mission – known Kids Club encourages members to take an ble gifts for Central Kentucky organizations, as The Keeneland Way – continues to guide interest in Keeneland and offers philan- among them the University of Kentucky’s Keeneland employees in their daily operations. thropic opportunities for them to support Center for Academic and Tutorial Services Keeneland blends financial and in-kind Central Kentucky (page 26). (CATS), UK’s Gill Heart Institute, Markey Can- sponsorships to benefit numerous civic and • Fayette County Fifth Grade Tours – cer Foundation, Maker’s Mark Secretariat Cen- charitable organizations and lends its grounds In August, Keeneland hosted more than ter at the Kentucky Horse Park and the Tubby as a backdrop for fundraising activities. Sup- 2,800 fifth graders from 35 area public and Smith Foundation. port is focused on the areas of health and private schools to learn about Keeneland human services; education; arts, culture and and the Thoroughbred industry. community; and Thoroughbred industry-relat- Through the Years ed causes. Keeneland’s charitable outreach has been at the forefront of historic civic and Keeneland Giving in 2017 horse industry initiatives in Central Ken- Keeneland hosted 42 promotions and tucky for more than 80 years: events, including: • In 1954, Keeneland gave $200,000 to • Military Day at the Races Presented by the University of Kentucky to construct Marathon (Spring Meet) and Heroes a dormitory. Day Delivered by Papa John’s (Fall • In 1959, Keeneland closed for two Meet) – Keeneland honors active and vet- days as its employees, using Keeneland eran military, law enforcement officers, equipment, moved St. Joseph Hospi- firefighters, EMTs and their families each tal (then known as the City’s Hospital) race meet. Through the support of He- by Z Keeneland/Photos from downtown Lexington to its cur- roes Day in October, Papa John’s raised rent location. $28,840 for Supporting Heroes. In 2017, nearly 20,000 people participated • At the height of the polio epidemic, in 15 run/walk events at Keeneland, raising Keeneland paid $10,000 for the Salk $1.3 million for various charities. vaccine to assist in inoculating Fayette County children who otherwise might In December, Keeneland contributed not have been vaccinated. $10,000 to support the horses and people af- • In the mid-1980s, Keeneland gave $1 fected by the tragic Lilac Fire at San Luis Rey million over several years to establish Downs Training Center in Bonsall, California. the University of Kentucky’s Maxwell A. Gluck Equine Research Center. Keeneland made nearly 1,000 dona- Major funding gifts from Keeneland tions, offering gift baskets and other items have positively impacted numerous Central from The Keeneland Shop, tickets and more Kentucky institutions and organizations: in support of charitable causes in the U.S. and • Kentucky Educational Television (KET): Keeneland/Photos by Z Keeneland/Photos around the world. $250,000 to help establish an endow- ment to develop original Kentucky pro- Keeneland provided financial assistance gramming. • Make-A-Wish Day – The 2017 Fall Meet to more than 30 charitable and civic or- marked the 10th anniversary of Make-A- • Kentucky Historical Society: $250,000 ganizations, including the Salvation Army, Wish Day at Keeneland, during which to build the Keeneland Changing Ex- Junior Achievement of the Bluegrass and the Keeneland teams with local Thorough- hibits Gallery, a temporary collections Kentucky Thoroughbred Association. bred farms and equine businesses to grant space. • In 2017, Keeneland completed their wishes for deserving children. Wish Kids • Midway College: $150,000 to expand and their families enjoy a VIP day at the $75,000 sponsorship pledge to the Blue- its equine studies program. races. The event has granted wishes for 92 grass BuildSmart initiative in support of • Fayette Education Foundation: $60,000 kids and raised $612,736 through 2017. the Interdisciplinary Science Center at the to reward and recognize Fayette Coun- • College Scholarship Day – Keeneland Newtown Campus of Bluegrass Commu- ty schools that successfully raise the holds College Scholarship Day in partner- nity & Technical College. education standards for all students. • Lexington’s Living Arts & Science Cen- ship with the Kentucky Thoroughbred As- • In 2016, Keeneland contributed an in- stallment of $50,000 to fulfill a pledge of ter: $25,000 for a new classroom. sociation each race meet. That day, thou- • Kentucky Blood Center: $60,000 to sands of college students register to win $100,000 to support construction of the Whitaker Family YMCA in Lexington. help build a new facility. one of 10 $1,000 scholarships awarded af- • University of Kentucky’s W.T. Young Li- ter each race. In 2017, College Scholarship brary: $50,000 to transform the Keene- Day at Keeneland gave away $40,000 in land Room into an active meeting scholarship money, including two $10,000 space. 6 2018 Keeneland Media Guide | Introduction Rev. 2/21/18 ®.