CHURCHILL DOWNS INCORPORATED DONATES $30,000 TO FEEDING SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA AS PART OF 2025 VIRGINIA DERBY

~ Regional foodbank provides food assistance to neighbors in twenty six counties and nine cities across Southwest Virginia; Contribution part of $100,000 in charitable contributions to commemorate historic Virginia Derby ~

NEW KENT, Va. (March 11, 2025)—To commemorate the historic 2025 Virginia Derby, and in furtherance of its commitment to community partnership throughout Virginia, Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI), owner and operator of Colonial Downs Racetrack, today announced that it has made a $30,000 contribution to Feeding Southwest Virginia to support its mission of reducing food insecurity and meeting the needs of Virginians across a twenty six county, nine city region.

To further recognize Feeding Southwest Virginia and its contributions to the Commonwealth, Race 4 of Virginia Derby Day on March 15, 2025 has been named in the organization’s honor.

“The 2025 Virginia Derby is going to be a celebration of the Commonwealth of Virginia, its people, and its communities,” said Aaron Palmer, Director of Virginia Government Relations. “Churchill Downs Incorporated is proud to support Feeding Southwest Virginia and its important work with this contribution, and can’t wait to welcome them to the track for this exciting day of racing and camaraderie.”

“We are incredibly grateful for Churchill Downs Incorporated’s contribution to Feeding Southwest Virginia,” said Feeding Southwest Virginia CEO Pamela Irvine. “This support strengthens our ability to provide nutritious meals to families experiencing hunger across our region. Partnerships like this are essential in alleviating food insecurity, allowing us to reach more neighbors and build a stronger, healthier community. Together, we are making a real impact.”

Since opening its doors in 1981, Feeding Southwest Virginia’s aim has been to address food insecurity. It is the largest supplier of charitable food assistance in Southwest Virginia. Together with a network of over 400 feeding programs and the support of generous donors and volunteers, Feeding Southwest Virginia providing millions of pounds of nourishing food to neighbors in need. The organization distributed more than 21 million pounds of food last year across a twenty six county, nine city region.

As part of the 2025 Virginia Derby, CDI is contributing a total of $100,000 to nonprofit partners around the state. In addition to Feeding Southwest Virginia, charitable contributions are being made to James River Horse Foundation, Willing Warriors, and American Gold Star Mothers – Hampton Roads Chapter.

CDI upholds a long tradition of corporate social responsibility with an emphasis on supporting the growth and sustainability of the equine industry and supporting meaningful health and human services. It prioritizes contributions to initiatives that enhance community well-being and shape the unique identity of the communities where it operates. In Virginia, the company has made monetary and in-kind donations totaling $5.4 million to Virginia non-profits through its Rosie’s Gives Back program.

The 2025 Virginia Derby will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at Colonial Downs Racetrack in New Kent, Virginia. For the first time ever, the race will serve as a qualifying race on The Road to the Kentucky Derby with the winning horse securing a spot in the field for the 151st Kentucky Derby.

For more information about Feeding Southwest Virginia, please visit www.feedingswva.org.

For tickets or more information about the 2025 Virginia Derby, please visit www.colonialdowns.com.