Churchill Downs Greets Operation Homefront, Military Families To Friday's 'Downs After Dark' Finale

Jul 01, 2010 John Asher

Churchill Downs will greet representatives of Operation Homefront and area military families served by that organization during the final “Downs After Dark” night racing session of the track’s Spring Meet on Friday, July 2.

The will spotlight and raise awarness of the work of Operation Homefront during the evening’s festivities.  Operation Homefront is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides support for the families of military service members deployed throughout the world.  The organization of was founded in San Antonio, Texas in February 2002 in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and has grown from a regional organization to one with a national reach that includes 23 chapters that serve military families in 32 states.

Operation Homefront provides direct services to ease emergency financial aid, counseling and support for military families and individuals.  Emergency assistance includes financial aid for health and dental care services, food, baby items, vehicle repairs, appliance and household repairs and moving assistance. That assistance is received within 24-to-72 hours of an individual or family’s application.

In 2009 the organization fulfilled more than 160,000 applications for assistance from military families, including active duty, National Guard and reserve members.  Since its creation, Operation Homefront has provided more than $92 million in funding to programs to benefit military families.

Special seating for members of military families is available through Operation Homefront and Churchill Downs for Friday’s “Downs After Dark” finale.  An Operation Homefront information table will be located at Churchill Downs’ Gate 10 entrance, adjacent to the free Gate 10 parking lot off Longfield Avenue, to distribute that seating

.Admission gates open at 4 p.m. (all times EDT) for Friday’s “Downs After Dark” racing and post time for the first race is 6 p.m.

The Operation Homefront tent at Gate 10 will also provide information on the organization, and racing patrons who wish to make a financial donation to the organization will be able to do so at that tent.