The Veteran’s Day event included several facets to raise funding and awareness for veterans. Each race was named in honor of a veteran associated in some way to Horseshoe Indianapolis. Special saddle towels were awarded to veterans and family members honored during the racing program.
To enhance the afternoon, a Veteran’s Day Pick 5 Challenge was held featuring 13 nationally-known handicappers placing wagers into the Late Fire Five with all proceeds set for HVAF.
“This is the third year we have offered the Pick Five Challenge on Veteran’s Day and each year, these handicappers are eager to be involved with the cause,” said Eric Halstrom, Vice President and General Manager. “We provide them with a $250 wager on the Pick 5 and they choose their own tickets. This year, Matt Carothers had some winning tickets which ended up being a very challenging Pick 5 and added $400 toward our donation to HVAF.”
HVAF, located in downtown Indianapolis, provides essential services to veterans in Central Indiana. They oversee programs such as housing, employment, a food pantry, and street outreach to those who have honorably served our country. Inflated prices over the past few years for general cost of living has placed hardship on many veterans, who turn to HVAF for assistance.
The donation from Horseshoe Indianapolis’ Veteran’s Day is always a much-needed contribution to the organization.
“We are very fortunate and appreciative of this partnership,” said Ashlee Walls-Pierce, Vice President of Advancement for HVAF. “We have over 1,300 individuals come through our doors each year for help, and this donation makes a big difference to our operations and to those veterans. We are grateful for the continued support year over year from the event at the track.”
Walls-Pierce noted veteran homelessness increased this year. They are seeing increased needs for basic items and even the veterans who are employed are struggling to meet their monthly bills due to the inflation of costs. HVAF current supplements these veterans to keep them current on their monthly expenses such as food and utilities.
“We see 250 veterans per month through our food and clothing pantry, and we are serving more than ever before,” added Walls-Pierce. “Plus, we have 200-plus veterans and their families included in our utility assistance program. The need is very evident. We have a lot of great things happening right now so we can serve these individuals and we are very blessed to keep up with their needs.”
In addition to funding raised from the Veteran’s Day event, Horseshoe Indianapolis provided a $4,000 donation. Halstrom recently presented Walls-Pierce with a check for $4,430.15.
“Being able to be a small part of assistance for veterans is very rewarding for us,” added Halstrom. “We are proud to be an annual partner with HVAF.”
The 22nd season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing begins with a special April 8 racing program at noon for the Total Solar Eclipse Day in the area. Racing extends through Nov. 14.
For more information on live racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis.
Photo: Eric Halstrom, Vice President and General Manager of Racing, presents a check for $4,430.15 to Ashlee Walls-Pierce, Vice President of Advancement for HVAF of Indiana, Inc. from funds collected during the annual Veteran’s Day racing event at Horseshoe Indianapolis.
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