Winsday Returns with Even Greater Community Impact, Celebrating Local Nonprofits During Kentucky Derby Week

Louisville, KY., (May 6, 2026)  – Churchill Downs, in partnership with the Community Foundation of Louisville, celebrated another successful Winsday, presented by Resolute Racing, during Kentucky Derby Week. The annual event is dedicated to supporting local nonprofits and spotlighting the important work they do to make the Kentuckiana region a more vibrant place to live, work and play. 

More than just a day at the races, Winsday has grown into a meaningful community initiative that connects guests with causes that matter. By purchasing tickets through one of 50 participating nonprofit organizations, attendees not only enjoyed the excitement of Derby Week, but also directly supported vital work happening across the community. 

This year’s event saw a 9% increase in financial impact compared to its inaugural year. More than 1,000 tickets were sold through participating nonprofits, reflecting the continued momentum and strong community support behind Winsday.

“Winsday is an opportunity for our community to come together and support local nonprofits that make a real difference every day,” said Claire Simms, Senior Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Churchill Downs Incorporated. “We’re proud to partner with the Community Foundation of Louisville to help shine a light on the incredible work they do.”

“There’s something really special about seeing our community come together to support local nonprofits,” said Christina Miller, Director of Marketing and Communications at the Community Foundation of Louisville. “We’re grateful to work alongside Churchill Downs to highlight these organizations and the impact they have across our region.”

Through prize funding provided by Churchill Downs, every participating nonprofit walked away a winner. Organizations had the opportunity to earn additional funds through a variety of drawings and competitions, with a guaranteed $500 participation award for those not receiving other prizes.

Charity Post Draw Highlights

One of Winsday’s signature moments, the Charity Post Draw, brought the excitement of the Kentucky Derby to participating nonprofits. Twenty organizations were randomly paired with official Derby post positions, with prize amounts determined by their assigned horse’s finishing position.

Top winners included:

• $20,000 (Win): Ed Hamilton Studio & Visitors Center (Post 16 – Golden Tempo)
• $15,000 (Place): Louisville Outreach for the Unsheltered (Post 1 – Renegade)
• $10,000 (Show): Louisville Chorus (Post 17 – Ocelli)

Organizations placing 4th through 20th each received $2,500, benefiting a wide range of nonprofits, including Exploited Children’s Help Organization (ECHO), Mercy Academy, Animal Care Society and Olmsted Parks Conservancy.

Additional Funding Opportunities

Winsday also included several other ways for nonprofits to receive funding beyond the Post Draw:

• Second Chance Drawing ($2,000 each):
  • People Advocating Recovery
  • Breakthrough Louisville
  • Cabbage Patch Settlement House
• Supporter Drawing ($2,000 each):
  These awards, driven by ticket purchasers, recognized both nonprofits and the supporters who helped champion their causes. Winners included:
  • Seth’s Squad (supporter Michelle W.)
  • Camberwell Grief Sanctuary (supporter Joseph G.)
  • Tatiana’s Light in the Darkness (supporter Erica C.)
  • GCCS Educational Foundation (supporter Emily O.)

Recognizing Top Fundraisers

Three organizations were recognized for their outstanding ticket sales efforts:

1. Cedar Lake Foundation, Inc. – 104 tickets sold ($1,500 prize)
2. Animal Care Society – 67 tickets sold ($1,000 prize)
3. All In, Inc. – 65 tickets sold ($500 prize)

Strengthening Community Through Partnership

Winsday brings together Churchill Downs and the Community Foundation of Louisville in support of the nonprofits doing essential work across our community. By pairing Derby Week with a spirit of giving back, the event helps raise both funds and awareness for local organizations. 

Each year, Winsday continues to grow, creating more opportunities to support nonprofits throughout Louisville and beyond. 

For more information about Winsday and participating organizations, visit https://www.cflouisville.org/events/winsday/ or https://www.churchilldowns.com/visit/calendar-events/winsday/.