The Foundation, created in 1943, is governed by a three-member board of trustees: Steve Duncker, John Hettinger, and D.G. Van Clief Jr.
The Jockey Club Foundation dispersed its final checks of 2004 this month, bringing to about $600,000 provided in aid during the year.Each month the Foundation provides help, this year more than 100 needy individuals throughout the Thoroughbred industry helped by the organization.Some are helped with a monthly assistance while others require assistance on a short-term basis."Many of the people we help have had a temporary setback in their life and we help them through a bad time," explained Nancy Kelly, the executive director of The Jockey Club Foundation. "Others are less fortunate and need assistance for a longer duration of time."The recipients represent virtually every facet of the Thoroughbred industry, from jockeys, trainers, exercise riders and grooms to office personnel and other employees of racetracks, racing organizations and breeding farms.In 2004, the Foundation paid for prosthetic legs, physical therapy, medication that wasn't covered by insurance, wheelchairs, handicap controls for motor vehicles, funerals, headstones, and countless medical bills.
