CHURCHILL DOWNS INCORPORATED AND VIRGINIA VETERANS FOUNDATION ANNOUNCE CONTRIBUTION TO RADFORD VFW POST RECOVERY

RADFORD, Va. (November 7, 2025)—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.

On September 2nd, 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.

Funds for the Post’s recovery come 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 grant from Churchill Downs and the Virginia Veterans Foundation will cover most of the cost to help the Post and recover from the break-in.

“Churchill Downs is proud to support VFW Post 776 in its time of need,” 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.”

“For more than 80 years, VFW Post 776 has been a place where our community’s veterans have found support, camaraderie, and fellowship,” said VFW Post 776 Commander Nathan VanHoy. “The September break-in shook us, but it did not break us. Our Post is coming back even stronger because the support of our friends at Colonial Downs, the Virginia Veterans Foundation, and the entire New River Valley community.”

“Congratulations to Commander VanHoy and the veterans of Post 776 on the Post reopening and recovery after the September break in,” 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 in New Kent, and the entire Churchill Downs organization, for supporting the veterans in Radford and all Virginia veterans.”

“VFW Post 776 has been an important part of the Radford community since 1944,” said Senator Travis Hackworth. “The September break in was devastating to the entire Radford community, especially to our veterans.  I am grateful to the Virginia Veterans Foundation, and to Colonial Downs, for providing the emergency financial support that helped Radford’s VFW Post recover.”

“I was shocked and dismayed when I heard of the break-in at VFW Post 776 in Radford,” said Delegate Jason Ballad. “The people affected by this crime are Veterans who put their lives on the line for this Nation, and I was very pleased when I heard that the criminal responsible was apprehended.  I commend the resilience of Post 776 members and Post Commander Nathan VanHoy on quickly reopening after the September 2nd break-in, and I offer my deepest thanks to Colonial Downs and the Virginia Veterans Foundation for providing funds to ensure that this local resource for Veterans was able to re-open.”

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.

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About Churchill Downs Incorporated, Colonial Downs Racetrack, and Rosie’s Gaming Emporium
Colonial Downs Racetrack (“Colonial Downs”) and Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums (“Rosie’s”) employ over 1,500 team members in the Commonwealth of Virginia, paying over $30 million in annual salaries, wages and benefits. The Rose Gaming Resort in Dumfries as well as Roseshire in Henrico and Rosie’s in Emporia, Hampton, New Kent, Richmond and Vinton offer innovative Historical Racing Machines (HRMs) and full card simulcasting. Rosie’s Game Room in Collinsville features a limited selection of some of the best HRM titles. Colonial Downs Racetrack in New Kent hosts live Thoroughbred racing on two nationally renowned surfaces: the Secretariat Turf Course, the widest turf course in North America, and a 11/4-mile dirt track. www.rosiesgaming.com.

About the Virginia Veterans Foundation
The Virginia Veterans Foundation is the official charitable foundation for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Department of Virginia. Its mission is to support the programs and operations of the Department and to support veterans, active-duty military, and their families. The VFW is one of the largest, and most charitable, veterans service organizations in Virginia. Virginia has 122 VFW posts and 36,000 members, including auxiliaries, in every region of the Commonwealth. All donations are tax deductible in accordance with the law. Reach us by phone 540-886-8112 or email [email protected].