The Churchill Downs Incorporated Foundation (CDI Foundation) announced
Tuesday its first fund-raising initiative, an online/e-mail auction of five 2011
Kentucky Derby (G1) and Oaks (G1) ticket packages. Proceeds from the sale of the
Kentucky Derby and Oaks ticket packages will benefit the CDI Foundation, a 501
(c) (3) tax-exempt organization founded by Churchill Downs Incorporated in June
2001, to support charitable organizations that assist the horse racing and
gaming industries, as well as non-profit organizations that promote public
welfare, education and the arts.
The CDI Foundation Kentucky Derby online/e-mail auction registration will
begin immediately, with the auction commencing on Monday, April 11 and
concluding on April 20 at a live event at the TwinSpires.com offices in
Lexington, Kentucky. Each Kentucky Derby and Oaks ticket package will include:
● Two tickets/seats to
the Kentucky Oaks on May 6 in the Skye 5 Lounge, including Chef’s Table Buffet,
premium bar, program and private betting window;
● Two tickets/seats to
the Kentucky Derby on May 7 in the Skye 5 Lounge, including Chef’s Table Buffet,
premium bar, program and private betting window;
● One guided stable area
tour for two at Churchill Downs Racetrack during Kentucky Derby week (winner’s
choice of dates between Friday, April 29 and Thursday, May 5);
● One guided, interior
tour for two of Churchill Downs Racetrack on Kentucky Oaks Day (May 6),
including all levels of the clubhouse and the Jockey Club Suites;
● One guided tour
and bourbon sampling for two at the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles,
Kentucky, along with Woodford Reserve souvenirs; and
● Official Kentucky
Derby and Oaks souvenirs.
● Single package
bonus: One of the five Kentucky Derby and Oaks ticket packages being auctioned
will include a SKYBAR limousine round-trip from the winning bidder’s home within
100 miles of Churchill Downs Racetrack on Kentucky Oaks and Derby Days, at the
time of the winning bidder’s choice. The highest bidder of the five Kentucky
Derby and Oaks ticket packages will be the winning bidder of the SKYBAR
limousine perk. (Note: The limousine fits a total of 10 people, so eight
additional guests could join from the point of origination)
Churchill Downs Incorporated has been the sole funding source for the CDI
Foundation since its inception in 2001. However, in October 2010 the company
named Liz Harris, a corporate vice president, as the CDI Foundation’s executive
director with the mission of raising funds to grow the organization’s financial
support of worthy causes around the country.
“In the coming year, we look forward to working diligently to grow public
awareness of the CDI Foundation and expand the scope of its contributions at the
national, state and local level,” Harris said. “The CDI Foundation is pleased to
offer financial and in-kind support for registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit
organizations whose work and focus fall within our giving guidelines.”
For more information about the CDI Foundation, including grant applicant
guidelines and a downloadable grant application form, please visit
www.ChurchillDownsIncorporated.com/Foundation.