Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly listed the date of the Jeff Ruby Stakes at Turfway Park. The error has been corrected. (July 28, 2024)

FLORENCE, Ky. — Turfway Park Racing and Gaming is donating $4,000 to the Jeff Ruby Foundation to help the foundation’s efforts to support vulnerable foster care children.

It was all smiles and positivity as Jeff Ruby staffers gathered at La Soupe, a local organization bridging the gap between food waste and hunger.

Shannon Hesketh, who works at Jeff Ruby’s restaurant said, "Jeff Ruby’s definitely puts its all into the community and not just giving back to the community, but also giving a lending hand to places like this so that we can better our community because we’re all part of the same place." 

La Soupe is one of the many partners of the foundation, working together to make sure families in need have access to food and create volunteer opportunities for employees.

La Soupe’s volunteer manager, Alison Ulanski said, "We have volunteer groups in here weekly, ranging everywhere from corporate groups to restaurant groups, much like Jeff Ruby Foundation, who, allows us to expand our production in ways that we couldn’t even imagine.”

This partnership wouldn’t be possible without the help of foundation coordinator Mikayla Pitman. 

Pitman was a special education teacher, but knew she wanted to help children on a larger scale, and now oversees volunteer opportunities, working with the partners and families.

She said, "Each month we have Cincinnati and out of Cincinnati volunteer day where employees of Jeff Ruby are able to give back to their communities."

Pitman is also responsible for finding the funding needed to make sure their partners can thrive.

Pitman continued, "Our partners and community supporters like Turfway Park Racing and Gaming are the reason why we are able to fulfill our mission of providing stable and loving homes for vulnerable youth.”

Turfway Park Racing and Gaming awarded the team $4,000 to be used in aiding their partners and helping families in need.

General Manager and Vice President at Turfway Park Racing and Gaming, Matthew Shehadi said, "Taking care of people is on the forefront of our minds here at Turfway in Newport and just continue to, to love the mission that Jeff Ruby’s Foundation does for the community.”

He also announced that Saturday, March 22, 2025, is the Jeff Ruby Stakes at Turfway. This is a qualifying race for the Kentucky Derby in May.