The coat drive was spearheaded by Resia Ayres, an account representative with The Jockey Club Information Systems, and this isn't the first time employees of The Jockey Club have assisted backstretch families at Keeneland.For the past three winter holiday seasons, The Jockey Club employees have "adopted" several needy families recommended by Chaplain Powers, purchasing gifts for each family member to help enhance their enjoyment of the holiday season.
A winter coat drive at The Jockey Club benefiting backstretch families at Keeneland culminated on Friday afternoon with the delivery of more than 100 winter coats for adults and children to the track's chaplain, Michael Powers. The coat drive delivery also included a large supply of sweatshirts, hats, and gloves."On behalf of the backstretch families here at Keeneland, we are most appreciative of the generosity of The Jockey Club employees who donated items that will help our families cope with the winter weather in coming months," said Powers. "In recent weeks, I've been approached by several backstretch employees requesting winter coats so these donated coats and other items will be distributed in very short order to those who need them most."