Blue Grass Farms Charities to hold 10th anniversary event on Oct. 18

Blue Grass Farms Charities will hold its annual fundraiser on Oct. 18 at the Marriott Griffin Gate Resort and Spa in Lexington, Ky., with several special guests attending in honor of the organization’s 10-year anniversary.

The fundraiser, Racino Rendezvous presented by Keeneland, will be a Mardi Gras-themed gala. Jockeys Calvin Borel and Robby Albarado, both Louisiana natives, are honorary co-chairs of the event. Among the other guests slated to commemorate the organization’s anniversary are founding board members Dr. Tom Riddle, Christina Jelm, and Tom Thornbury. Blue Grass Farms Charities will also recognize Thoroughbred Charities of America, Fasig-Tipton, Darley, Brereton and Libby Jones of Airdrie Stud, and BGFC President Mary Lee-Butte for their decade-long contributions.

“These individuals, foundations, and businesses have given us more than tools and resources to build a safety net for industry workers,” Butte said. “They’ve given generously of their time and talent to shape our programs, guide our employees and volunteers, and generally assure that our programs are relevant and needed by our industry workers.”

Proceeds from the event will support the Blue Grass Farms Charities’ comprehensive outreach to Thoroughbred operations and the Backstretch C.O.R.E. (Comprehensive Outreach, Resources, and Enrichment) Program. This new program was developed by Keeneland and Blue Grass Farms Charities to expand the charity’s health and human services programs to improve the quality of life for racetrack and training center workers.