Horseshoe Indianapolis Racing & Casino just completed its fourth year of partnership with Hoosier Veterans and Families (HVAF) of Indiana, Inc.
Several events and promotions are held annually to support the organization dedicated to the assistance and quality of life for area veterans. Racing events brought in a total of $19,924.85 last season, a record amount donated to the organization located in downtown Indianapolis.
“Our continued commitment to HVAF is very important to us and we are persistent in finding ways to raise awareness and funding for them annually,” said Eric Halstrom, Vice President and General Manager of Racing. “We are excited to explore additional ways to fund their programs. Their work with veterans is amazing, and we are glad to be a small part of furthering their efforts for those who served our country.”
Promotions throughout the 2025 racing season included charitable wagers during Indiana Derby, silent auction items featuring a jockey statue complete with patriotic silks, and donations to the cause.
Money is also raised from the annual Pick 5 Challenge during Veterans Day. A total of 14 nationally known handicappers donate their time to place $250 tickets into the Pick 5 with all winning payouts from the wagers directed to HVAF.
“Having the support of our racing industry for our initiatives with assisting veterans is overwhelming,” added Halstrom. “They have really stepped up to donate their time and their support of our silent auction items, and that support does not go unnoticed. We appreciate every social media post, every donation, and every minute our racing fans and industry experts are providing to help us make a difference with our local veterans.”
HVAF of Indiana, Inc. struggled recently with a catastrophic fire in the fall of 2024 that swept through their largest housing property, displacing 48 veterans. Through various entities, they were able to rebuild and will have additional housing units available to veterans once the project is completed.
Ending veteran homelessness is their top priority, and providing a food and clothing pantry to veterans who are facing homelessness is crucial to HVAF’s life changing programs.
“We are very flattered and grateful for our partnership with Horseshoe Indianapolis who continues to spread awareness of our programs,” said Ashlee Walls-Pierce, Vice President of Advancement for HVAF. “Because of ongoing donations such as this, we are able to serve nearly 600 veterans each month. The need to assist our veterans who are homeless is not going away, and we are doing everything we can to assist them through our pantry, housing options, job placement, and outreach programs.
“We are excited for the renovation to be completed because it will provide more space for us to expand our food and clothing pantry, allowing us to better serve veterans who come in for assistance.”
The 24th season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing returns April 7.
For more information on racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis/racing or find details on social media @HSIndyRacing.
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