LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A new celebration at Churchill Downs shined a spotlight on Louisville nonprofits. Wednesday was “Winsday” at the track with a portion of ticket sales benefitting over 50 organizations.
While bettors either won big or walked away with nothing at the races, there was no bigger winner than the area nonprofits. In its inaugural year, Winsday offered area nonprofits throughout the race card to earn some cash aimed at continuing their missions.
Mark Lamkin attended Winsday and said he has been a supporter of Blessings in a Backpack which provides meals to students in Jefferson County.
“I hope I win enough money that I break Churchill Downs and can pay for every school lunch in the City of Louisville,” Lamkin said.
While bettors may or may not have gone home with cash, nonprofits like the Louisville Orchestra didn’t walk away empty-handed. Director of Development with the Louisville Orchestra, Jessica Underwood said they encouraged donors to buy tickets for Winsday.
“We have so much gratitude for all of our supporters who came out today,” Underwood said.
The Community Foundation of Louisville and Churchill Downs partnered for the inaugural Winsday. Underwood said funds from the community support concerts, education programs among other things.
“Tonight we’re in Ashland and tomorrow we’re in Mount Sterling,” Underwood said. “We go well beyond the boundaries of Louisville; we serve the whole Commonwealth.”
Attendees could buy tickets through one of 50 nonprofits—giving them direct contributions. A portion of proceeds from all tickets went back to the Community Foundation of Louisville.
“Donating in that realm and having Louisville support it in that manner is huge. Everything will be high and very, very plentiful today,” said Heather Yerrid an attendee of Winsday.
“I think it’s only going to get bigger and bigger and make Churchill more appealing to the general Kentuckian,” Lamkin said.
Giving back by coming together.
“We really believe in the power of music to unify our community and to help with wellbeing,” Underwood said.
Besides ticket sales, the 50 organizations taking part in Winsday could win up to $25,000. Twenty of the 50 nonprofits are also being paired with a Derby field entrant. The charity paired with the winning horse takes home half of the 50/50 Derby Week raffle.