Editor’s Note:

While the final tallies are not in yet, and the additional number of Gift Cards and other donated items have yet to be finalized, the first “Coats for Coast” fundraiser held at The Louisville Thoroughbred Society generated a lot of buzz, fun, electrifying bids and over $12,000 that will go directly to the Backside Learning Center at Churchill Downs.

In short, it was a win-win-win.

Thanks to the generous donations of prestigious horse blankets — right off the backs of equine superstars American Pharoah, Justify, Into Mischief, Not This Time and Rich Strike — and the donations of many other items, as well, The Louisville Thoroughbred Society was able to host an event alongside its’ annual Holiday Party for members, guests and investors.

The festive occasion presented the perfect atmosphere and holiday cheer to inspire many to assist, bid and participate in this meaningful event to help raise both money and awareness for the Backside Learning Center — which provides food, clothing, education and other meaningful programs to those that work in the barn area and alongside our horses on a daily basis.

All the proceeds, once finalized and counted by the first of the week, will be presented to the charitable organization so that it can continue to provide for those that work so hard to benefit the horse industry in Kentucky.

If you would like to assist, drop us a note. We have other ways to help, as well.

Until then, thanks to all those people that attended; that bid; that donated; that gave.

We all are a little better off this morning due to the generosity of so many.

Thanks / Gene McLean