More than 50 people assembled for a great cause at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino Saturday, Oct. 1 for the first Pink Out Walk to honor those who have been affected in some form by breast cancer. The event got underway before racing with a walk into the barn area and carried over into live racing.
“I couldn’t be more pleased with the turnout for our first event,” said Jamie Krueger, retail marketing manager and coordinator of the event. “This is a great way to kick off the month of October and remember and recognize those who have been touched in one way or another by cancer. It also gives us an opportunity to raise money for a very worthwhile cause, Indiana Women In Need (IWIN).”
Several activities complemented the Pink Out event. Pink Poppy and Lemon Lane of downtown Shelbyville were available for guests to stop by their booths as was Rushville, Ind.’s Sarah Schwendeman, a Paparazzi jewelry dealer. Free chair massages were provided by Touch Of Health of Shelbyville and free caricatures were available for guests. Theresa Hopper, local Zumba instructor, provided a warm-up for walkers. Also, a silent auction was held with all proceeds from the auction and the sale of long-sleeved event t-shirts going to the IWIN Foundation.
“We are excited to be part of this event,” said Mary Shepard, executive director of IWIN. “I.W.I.N. Foundation supports women statewide currently receiving treatment for breast cancer by securing and paying for individual services that relieve emotional, physical and financial burdens. The money raised through this event stays right here and will go to local women.”
Sales from the t-shirts alone raised more than $550 for IWIN.
Following the afternoon activities, participants in racing also got in the spirit of Pink Out Night. Members of the starting gate crew, pony riders, valets and other team members all wore bright pink shirts. The second race was dedicated to Pink Out Survivors and jockeys all wore pink helmet covers for the race. Additionally, the number eight horse, who wears the standard pink saddle towel in a race, Dox Folly with 2016 Leading Jockey Fernando De La Cruz aboard, was the winner, adding a little more pink to the win photo.
Pink Out Night also kicked off a full month of giving back by Indiana Grand. All guests who stop by Club Centaur Rewards on the casino floor during the month of October and donate $10 to IWIN will receive $10 in casino cash. The promotion runs all month and is available to guests 21 years of age and older who are Club Centaur Rewards members. Guests may donate $10 once per day during the promotional period.
(from Indiana Grand news release)