Churchill Downs Incorporated and Virginia Veterans Foundation Announce Contribution to Arlington VFW Post

ARLINGTON, Va. (November 11, 2025)—Today on Veterans Day, Churchill Downs Incorporated and the Virginia Veterans Foundation announced a charitable contribution of $2,500 to John Lyon VFW Post 3150 (Arlington) to help improve the accessibility of the Post, particularly for older veterans and veterans with mobility challenges.

This contribution for the Post’s upgrades is the second grant from the Colonial Downs VFW Post Home Improvement Grant program, which was created with a $25,000 charitable contribution made by Churchill Downs Incorporated as part of its Salute to Service during the 2025 Festival of Racing at Colonial Downs Racetrack. The first grant supported VFW Post 776 (Radford-Montgomery County) in its recovery from a recent break-in. 

“Churchill Downs is proud to support John Lyon VFW Post 3150 and the Northern Virginia veterans it serves,” said Aaron Palmer, Director of Virginia Government Relations for Churchill Downs Incorporated, owner and operator of Colonial Downs Racetrack and Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums. “We were honored to provide the financial support that created the Post Home Improvement Grant and are gratified to see it being put to such good use.”

“Our Post is deeply grateful for this support from Churchill Downs Incorporated and the Virginia Veterans Foundation, said Michael Cantwell, John Lyon VFW Post 3150 commander. “This grant will allow us to make our Post an even more welcoming and accessible place for veterans of all ages to find support, camaraderie, and fellowship.”

“As the post closest to Arlington National Cemetery, John Lyon Post 3150 carries a special responsibility and holds a special place in our Virginia VFW community,” said VFW Virginia State Commander Doug Hoffman. “On behalf of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Virginia, I want to thank the good people at Colonial Downs Racetrack, and the entire Churchill Downs organization, for supporting veterans in Northern Virginia and all across the Commonwealth.”

“For more than ninety years, John Lyon VFW Post 3150 has welcomed home the brave men and women who have served our country, helping to ease their transition and ensure they know that their community stands with them,” said Senator Barbara Favola (40^th District—Arlington).

“VFW Post 3150 is a pillar of the Arlington community, and I’m proud to join them this Veterans Day in honoring our Veterans and recognizing the Post’s significant achievement,” said Del. Adele McClure (District 2—Arlington). “This well-deserved grant recognizes Post 3150’s enduring impact on our community, and I would like to thank every Veteran, here and across the Commonwealth, for their service to our Country.”

Churchill Downs Incorporated, owner and operator of Colonial Downs Racetrack and Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums in Vinton and around the state, contributes to local organizations and causes through special programs like the Colonial Downs VFW Post Home Improvement Grant and its “Rosie’s Gives Back” program, which has made more than $5.4 million in direct donations and in-kind contributions, and donated thousands of hours of volunteer service. The program supports a range of nonprofits and causes around Virginia including groups providing services in education, workforce development, healthcare, and support for veterans and law enforcement. The goal of the Rosie’s Gives Back program is to meaningfully improve the quality of life in the communities where team members live and work. The company also partners with statewide programs for the broadest impact possible.