News and Press Releases

Members from Rosie’s Emporia team continued their commitment to community support by hosting a food distribution event to assist neighbors facing food access challenges. Held at Bon Secours Southern Virginia Medical Center in Emporia, Virginia, the event welcomed all neighbors in need and operated on a first-come, first-served basis to ensure families received food ahead of the holiday season.

Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel (“Oak Grove” or “OGG”) demonstrated its commitment to community support by hosting a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway for federal employees. These individuals were among those most impacted by the recent government shutdown and are often overlooked in a region with a strong military presence.

On Thursday, November 20, Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) employees came together for a Thanksgiving food drive to “Fill the Buss,” benefitting The Hope Buss. Team members donated food and meal prep essentials—cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, pans and more—to help provide a warm holiday meal for those in need. These contributions will support The Hope Buss in serving a Thanksgiving celebration to families across the community.

Churchill Downs Racetrack has revealed the official Mint Julep Glass and “Art of the Kentucky Derby” for the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve – both designed by Kentucky-native Grayson Reynolds.

During a Saturday meeting at the Post, Churchill Downs Incorporated and the Virginia Veterans Foundation announced a charitable contribution of $2,500 to VFW Post 176 (Newport News) to make needed upgrades and updates to the Post. VFW Post 176 is Virginia’s oldest chartered VFW Post, having been established in 1920. This contribution for the Post’s upgrades is the third 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. Previous grants helped John Lyon VFW Post 3150 (Arlington) improve its accessibility and supported VFW Post 776 (Radford-Montgomery County) in its recovery from a recent break-in.

Tickets for the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve on Saturday, May 2 will go on sale to the public Thursday at noon ET. Two-day all-inclusive reserved tickets to the 152nd Longines Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby will be available for purchase online, including recent renovations such as the Ford First Turn Reserved seating as well as the Starting Gate Courtyard, both featuring stadium-style seats and easy access for concessions and wagering windows.

On Wednesday, November 12, members from Rosie’s Emporia participated in a volunteer initiative aimed at addressing food insecurity in the local community. In addition to hands-on service, Rosie’s Give Back contributed $4,000 to support Rise Against Hunger’s mission. Rise Against Hunger is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to ending hunger by providing food and life-changing aid to the world’s most vulnerable populations. Their work focuses on communities experiencing high levels of food insecurity.

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.

Today, Churchill Downs Incorporated and the Virginia Veterans Foundation announced a charitable contribution of $2,500 to VFW Post 776 (Radford-Montgomery) to help the Post recover from a recent break-in and act of vandalism that significantly damaged its facility. Around Labor Day, a break-in occurred at VFW Post 776 (Radford-Montgomery), causing thousands of dollars in damage. Windows, doors, and equipment were severely damaged, including a safe that stores the Post’s Honor Guard rifles. An historic World War I rifle was also removed from its display case and various items were taken.