UPS donates $10,000 to Backside Learning Center at Churchill Downs

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Several jockeys were on hand Monday at UPS Worldport in Louisville as the company presented a $10,000 check to the Backside Learning Center (BLC) at Churchill Downs.

The center opened almost 20 years ago as a nonprofit that provides support and resources for the diverse community of workers at the track and their families.

"It may be one day out of the year, but it's an overall program that they do year-round," said Isabel Coffey, human resources manager at UPS. "This is what they do, this is where they live, and their children live with them. So, I mean, we love it."

The BLC has programs that focus on education, health and wellness, and Monday's donation ensures those resources will continue.

"We'll be able to provide just an array of tutoring programs, academic support and summer camp experiences for the children of backside workers," said Sherry Stanley, executive director of the BLC.

The donation will impact dozens of kids whose hard-working parents work around the clock between their professional and family obligations.

"I just really admire the work ethic and just how much time our parents put into both their jobs and their families," said Martha Popescu, a youth development assistant. "We are in constant contact with parents for transportation, enrollment into camps, tutoring."

Martha and Dina Busaleh run after-school programs and tutor the children of the employees along the backside.

"When they give them homework at school (my children) are happy because they say the teachers at school help them a lot," Elda Gonzales said in Spanish, via a translation.

Gonzales first arrived at Churchill Downs 10 years ago from Guatemala. And the services at the BLC are among the many reasons why she has stayed in Louisville for a decade.

"Because one leaves earlier, there are benefits for the children to be able to go out with them, and there are many communities that help them with school," Gonzales said.

The check from UPS helps sustain the essential programs that Gonzales and her kids can take advantage of. It's support to those who keep the horses at the track on-the-go, even when the stands are empty.

Several jockeys were also on hand for the presentation and to sign autographs afterward. In the last five years, the BLC has received more than $66,000 from UPS, the company said.