Behind the Backstretch

On this episode of Behind the Backstretch, we are gearing up for the 18th annual Benefit for the Backside, the largest annual fundraiser for the Backside Learning Center taking place on November 22nd at Churchill Downs’ First Turn Club!

We first talk with new BLC Development Director Enidza Torres, as she discusses her background, her new role with the BLC, what this community means to her, and shares information on the event!

Next, we speak with Clyde Coatney who is a volunteer, donor, and fundraiser for the BLC! He discusses how he got involved, what his volunteer work has meant to him, and how people can get involved with the event and the BLC in general.

For ticket information, silent auction and raffle info, and more, visit www.benefitforthebackside.com.

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On this episode of Behind the Backstretch, we are focusing on Give for Good Louisville, the largest fundraising day of the year in the city! Taking place on September 12th, our focus for our fundraiser will be the arts programming at the BLC, specifically our work with artist Sara Noori and Fund for the Arts. 

First, speak with Sara as she dives into her background, her work with us, and the growth she's seen with both children and adults during her time with us. We then talk with Merlin Cano, who is our early childhood assistant as she talks about her new role, how arts programming has positively impacted early childhood, and her experiences having her child involved in programming as well. 

We talk with Youth Programs Manager Taylor Ohlmann as she talks about her work with our Front Runners after-school programming, how arts programming has impacted the teens at Front Runners, and the importance of these vital partnerships. 

Finally, we talk with Adal Castellon, our Adult English Program Coordinator, as he talks about his new role with the BLC, his experience with adult programming, and the impact that Sara's art programming has had on his students. 

If you would like to learn more and donate on the day of the event, visit https://www.giveforgoodlouisville.org/organization/backsidelearningcenter-cfl. 

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Happy 20th Anniversary to the Backside Learning Center🎉 A special thank you to our amazing staff, volunteers, donors, and supporters who have helped us along the way!

On this week's podcast episode of Behind the Backstretch🎙️, we talk to the BLC’S Executive Director Sherry Stanley and Deputy Director Lauren DeGeorge. They discuss how the BLC has grown and  the immense impact its made on both the community and their lives. 

Want a blast from the past?⏪️ Keep listening to our podcast to hear the story of Roberto Gonzalez, who’s been a part of our community since 2004!

🚨ALSO. LAST CHANCE to win “Kentucky Derby 150 Baccarat Edition” bourbon! 🎟️ 🚨Learn more here: backsidelearningcenter.org/blc20years

(0:00) Intro
(2:57) Sherry Stanley & Lauren DeGeorge
(42:31) Roberto Gonzalez
(54:35) Outro

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On the newest episode of our podcast, Behind the Backstretch, we highlight our incredible partnership with Woodford Reserve! For the 150th Kentucky Derby, the BLC was chosen as the charitable partner of their $1,000 Mint Julep Program, in which all proceeds from sales of gold and silver Mint Julep cups are donated to the charity. In addition to this partnership, Woodford Reserve has also graciously donated a $5,000 gold mint julep cup, a $1,000 silver mint julep cup, and a bottle of the Derby 150 Baccarat Edition, and we are hosting a raffle with three drawings for a chance to win one of these items! Raffle tickets can be purchased here: https://backsidelearningcenter.org/BLC20years/  

We are thrilled to be partnering with Woodford this year, and for this podcast we speak with two central figures in this partnership, Chris Poynter & Elizabeth McCall! Chris Poynter, PR & Partnerships Manager with Woodford Reserve & Old Forester, joins us to discuss how the BLC was chosen for the program this year, delves into the Mint Julep cup program and its impact, and shares the importance of the backside community. 

Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall joins us as well as she talks about her path to becoming master distiller, gives us some insight into the making of the $15,000 Kentucky Derby 150 Baccarat Edition which is Woodford’s rarest bottle yet, and her ties with the Backside Learning Center. 

(0:00) Introduction
(3:37) Interview with Elizabeth McCall and Chris Poynter
(20:02) Outro

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On this episode of Behind the Backstretch, we have a packed lineup for the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby! With major BLC supporter and part-owner Brook Smith enrolling Derby contender Sierra Leone in our Purses for a Purpose initiative, we focus on what this means for our organization. We first speak with Brook about what this week means for him and the BLC, and we then get to chat with Sierra Leone trainer Chad Brown and jockey Tyler Gaffalione as they discuss the upcoming race and their appreciation of the backside community. 

Those with Sierra Leone are not the only ones getting in on the action this Derby season. Honor Marie owner Kerry Ribble has recently supported the BLC with a large book donation, as she joins us to discuss how she learned about the organization and the importance of team effort on the backside. Finally, we speak with trainer Cherie DeVaux, as she and bloodstock agent David Ingordo have pledged up to $10,000 of their winnings this Derby week at Churchill Downs to the BLC!  

Our 20th Anniversary Woodford Reserve Raffle has begun, where you have three chances to win an exclusive bottle and/or mint julep cup! Clink the link below to get your tickets now: https://one.bidpal.net/blc20years/welcome 

(0:00) Introduction
(2:46) Brook Smith
(8:42) Tyler Gaffalione
(11:20) Chad Brown
(15:34) Kerry Ribble
(19:56) Cherie DeVaux
(21:37) Outro

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On this week's episode of Behind the Backstretch, we are focusing on our 3rd annual Derby Handicapping Social taking place on April 16th at the Louisville Thoroughbred Society. This event acts as a kickoff to the Derby season and is a major awareness event for our organization.

Co-hosted by BLC intern Samantha Versocki, we begin by discussing her background and what she has done with the organization so far with her internship. Then, she conducts an interview with former jockey and current analyst Donna Barton Brothers as she discusses her role in our upcoming event, her background in the horse racing industry, the importance of backside workers, and her excitement for Derby 150.

Then, Samantha speaks with Buff Bradley, a former trainer and owner who is currently a board member at the Backside Learning Center. He discusses his current role in the industry, his involvement with the BLC, and what makes the backside community so important to the industry.

To learn more about the Derby Handicapping Social, visit https://one.bidpal.net/blcderbyhandicapping24/welcome 

(0:00) Introduction w/ Samantha Versocki
(4:22) Donna Barton Brothers
(18:28) Buff Bradley
(28:18) Outro

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On this episode of the podcast, we ring in the new year by talking with two members of our community, staff member Luz Valdespino & BLC supporter Cathleen  Murphy!

First, we speak with the BLC's own Youth and Family Case Coordinator Luz Valdespino as she discusses her role with the BLC, her connection with the community that she works with, and some of the plans coming up with our youth support groups.

We then talk with Cathleen Murphy, who is a volunteer and supporter of the BLC remotely from Florida! She discusses her experience as a volunteer at the BLC, her involvement in the horse racing world with her and her husband's equine-focused family business venture Sea Warrior Stables,  and the importance of the backside community to the industry.

(0:00) Introduction
(2:22) Luz Valdespino
(9:24) Cathleen Murphy
(23:27) Outro

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On this episode of Behind the Backstretch, we are gearing up for the 17th Annual Benefit for the Backside coming up in just about 2 weeks! We speak with two individuals who have been heavily involved in the planning process for this event as well as share details on the event itself.

First, we talk with event consultant Robin Rinderspacher who talks about her role with this benefit, gives listeners a rundown of what to expect for the day, and discusses why she thinks it is an important and unique event.

Then, we interview Pam Wessel, who is a volunteer and supporter of the BLC. She delves into how she got involved with the organization, her volunteer work with our mom's support group, and how she has enjoyed her time on our Benefit planning committee.

To learn more about the event, visit www.benefitforthebackside.com, where tickets are on sale until Nov. 7th!

(0:00) Intro
(1:49) Robin Rinderspacher 
(11:14) Pam Wessel
(18:41) Outro

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Our FIFTEENTH episode of the “Beyond the Backstretch” is out now!

On this episode of Behind the Backstretch, we are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! This month is especially important to us as 80% of the 1,000+ backstretch workers at Churchill Downs come from Spanish-speaking countries. On this episode, we get to know two beloved members of our community and celebrate their cultures. 

👉First, we sit down with hot walker and bakery entrepreneur Elizmar Perdomo! Elizmar hails from Venezuela, and talks of her love for baking Venezuelan specialities. Her business is called Monse Sweet; you can follow her on Instagram!  🇻🇪🍰

👉 We also chat with BLC Case Worker Veronica Pavon. Veronica is a new addition to our BLC staff as a Case Worker and comes from Ecuador! 🇪🇨 Veronica talks about some of her favorite traditions from Ecuador, as well the seasonal business she and her brother co-operate, Native Crafts. They sell clothing, jewelry and instruments from indigenous cultures in South and North America.

This is just a sliver of the beautiful diversity we get to witness at the Backside Learning Center. We are honored to provide support and resources in a safe, welcoming environment for this diverse community daily!

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On this episode of Behind the Backstretch, we are gearing up for next month's Give for Good Louisville, which is the largest annual fundraising day in the city of Louisville! We sit down with two members of the BLC team to discuss their journeys to our organization and the importance of this day for us!

First, we sit down with Volunteer and Adult English Class Coordinator Alexina Wilson as she discusses her past as a teacher leading up to working at the BLC, the rewarding aspects of her job, and how listeners can be involved in Give for Good and elsewhere!

Then, we talk with BLC board member Glenn Kosse as he delves into his experience in fundraising, how his interest in horse racing led him to the BLC, the importance of backside workers to the sport and the city, and why giving days are vital to organizations like ours.

Give for Good Louisville 2023 is taking place on September 14th. You can find the BLC giving page on giveforgoodlouisville.org, and then search for the name of our organization. Or, you can find our page with this short link. Bit.ly/GFGL_BLC 

(0:00) Introduction
(2:24) Volunteer and Adult English Coordinator Alexina Wilson
(12:50) BLC Board Member Glenn Kosse
(20:37) Outro

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