(Edited press release)
The Canterbury Park Minnesota Fund will grant $159,250 to non-profit organizations, including the Race Track Chaplaincy of America.
As a member of the Minnesota Keystone program, Canterbury Park pledges to return 5% of pre-tax profits to charity each year. Canterbury operates a racetrack, simulcast center, and card club in Shakopee, Minn.
“Canterbury Park continues to be committed to charitable contributions and community involvement,” Canterbury president Randy Sampson said. “We understand our obligation as a member of the community to give back to those around us. We also stress to our employees the importance of volunteering their time to local non-profits.”
The 17 grant recipients are organizations involved in Minnesota’s horse industry, responsible gaming programs, and Canterbury’s local community.
Track officials said the $50,000 RTCA grant would be used to complete construction of the Dean Kutz Memorial Chapel in the Canterbury stable area. The chapel is named for the late jockey who competed in Minnesota.
The Minnesota 4H Horse Association will receive a $15,000 grant, which will be used to cover expenses of the Minnesota 4H Horse Show and Activities Event. The grant will allow registration fees for the event to be kept at a minimum so that more than 1,000 4H members from across the state can attend.
Northstar Alliance will receive a $10,000 grant to support the planning, marketing, and implementation of the 2007-08 Regional Minnesota Problem Gambling Awareness Series.
The Canterbury Park Minnesota Fund was founded in 2003 by the racetrack. For more information on the fund, including grant guidelines, contact Michele Dahl at 952-233-4879.