Blue Grass Farms Charities To Construct New Food Pantry At The Thoroughbred Center

 Blue Grass Farms Charities (BGFC) is honored to be one of three non-profits to receive the “Maker’s Mark Bourbon: Greats of the Gate” Man-O-War bottle proceeds. Proceeds from the Man o’ War bottle will support construction of a new food pantry located at The Thoroughbred Center (TTC) on Paris Pike, Keeneland’s year-round training facility, making it accessible to the greatest number of industry workers. BGFC continues to serve Fayette, Bourbon, Woodford, Scott and Jessamine area farms and facilities. 

Blue Grass Farms Charities (BGFC), which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, provides various programs and services, including a much-needed food assistance program, to horsemen/women working on Central Kentucky farms, backstretch, and other Thoroughbred facilities.

“Keeneland and Maker’s Mark have a rich history of working hand-in-hand to support organizations making an impact in Kentucky,” said Rob Samuels, Managing Director of Maker’s Mark and eighth-generation whisky maker.”

“This is a ‘wish come true’ and perfect timing for the charity, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary.” Julie Kwasniewski, BGFC Executive Director said. “Along with our foodbank partners, the charity will now have a central location to regularly provide fresh food, along with grant-funded hygiene/baby, cleaning items to farm/track families. Most importantly, the TTC location will give better access to those in need of our benevolent services and referrals BGFC offers.”

For the first three years of the 10-year series, the “Greats of the Gate” bottle will support Kentucky Harvest, Art Center of the Bluegrass, and Blue Grass Farms Charities. The Art Center of the Bluegrass connects people to art, culture, and creativity through exhibits, hands-on art making, arts appreciation, and cultural experiences, while the mission of Kentucky Harvest is to end local hunger by connecting with food donors and engaging volunteers to rescue excess food and move it from those who have it to those in need.

“Keeneland is proud to continue our longstanding partnership with Maker’s Mark to benefit both the Thoroughbred industry and our local communities,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “Keeneland and Maker’s Mark share a mission of service and philanthropy, and the commemorative bottles have been a fun way to engage our fans and support deserving organizations through the years.”

Blue Grass Farms Charities, Inc. is located in Lexington, Kentucky and is a nonprofit, 501(C)3 whose mission is to provide health and human services to those working in the Central Kentucky Thoroughbred Industry. Visit www.bgfcky.org