Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) has committed a $25,000 donation to Orphan Care Alliance (OCA), a nonprofit serving some of Kentucky’s and Southern Indiana’s most vulnerable children and families in the foster care and adoptive communities.
First Lady Glenna Bevin joined CDI in Harrodsburg Saturday for the presentation at OCA’s Fall Festival for adoptive and foster families.
“Churchill Downs upholds a strong tradition of corporate social responsibility and is committed to being a good community partner in Louisville and throughout the Commonwealth,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Incorporated.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to support an organization like Orphan Care Alliance that is making such a significant impact in the lives of children and families across Kentucky.”
The donation will go toward OCA’s mentorship program, which connects children in and transitioning out of foster care with volunteer mentors.
The newly formed program will not only match children and mentors, but supply the resources needed to facilitate those relationships. Children in foster care who have a consistent mentor are much more likely to find future success once they reach adulthood.
“Churchill Downs’ generosity will go a long way in building up and sustaining our long-term mentorship program,” said Darren Washausen, president and executive director of Orphan Care Alliance. “This donation will allow us even more opportunities to give children in our region the love, compassion and support they need and deserve.”
As a mother of nine and strong advocate for foster care and adoption, Kentucky First Lady Glenna Bevin has championed reforms to the Commonwealth’s foster care system and led both state and national initiatives to protect Kentucky’s most vulnerable.
“Every child needs a loving and stable home. Orphan Care Alliance specializes in teaching Kentuckians how to open their hearts and homes to the nearly 10,000 Kentucky children living in state foster care,” said First Lady Glenna Bevin. “This gift from Churchill Downs is certain to connect children in the Commonwealth to the Forever Family they so desperately want.”
Churchill Downs Incorporated is committed to positively impacting the many communities in which it operates.
CDI’s annual corporate giving provides millions of dollars in financial and in-kind contributions to nonprofit entities that assist equine industry-related initiatives, public health and welfare programs and meaningful opportunities in the areas of art and education.
Churchill Downs Incorporated
