April 19, 2017. Louisville, KY. – Each year, the Kentucky Derby Festival presents the Fifth Third Bank Silver Horseshoe Award, a tradition since 1962, to an individual or organization for their outstanding service to the community. This year’s award will be given to honor the Muhammad Ali Center. The award will be presented at the 61st annual They’re Off! Luncheon on Friday in the Grand Ballroom of the Galt House Hotel. Along with the award, the Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation – the Derby Festival’s charitable arm – will also present a $5,000 check to the Center.
“While we mourn the loss of Louisville legend Muhammad Ali, our community is fortunate that his spirit lives on through the work of the Muhammad Ali Center,” said Mike Berry, KDF President and CEO. “More than just a Louisville tourist attraction, the Ali Center calls us to a higher purpose – to be great and to do great things. The Festival could not be more proud of honoring Muhammad’s legacy than presenting his namesake organization with the Silver Horseshoe Award.”
The Muhammad Ali Center has served and inspired children and adults for over a decade to pursue greatness in their own lives and communities. While home to an award-winning museum which preserves the incredible life and legacy of Muhammad Ali, the multicultural center has developed impactful programming that promotes respect, hope, and understanding. Through the Center, Muhammad Ali’s ideals and principles have reached all cultures, nationalities, ages and geographic areas.
“Fifth Third is honored to partner with KDF to present the 2017 Silver Horseshoe Award to the Muhammad Ali Center”, said Mike Ash, Fifth Third Bank’s Kentucky Regional President. “The Muhammad Ali center plays an inspirational role in our community and shares two of Fifth Third’s strongest core values, respect and inclusion. At Fifth Third we believe when everyone is valued, we’re stronger as partners. The Fifth Third team recognizes the work and commitment the Muhammad Ali Center dedicates to making our community stronger. We are honored to recognize the success of the Muhammad Ali Center and proud to support their mission.”
The Fifth Third Bank Silver Horseshoe Award will be presented by Mike Ash of Fifth Third Bank and Chad McTighe, Chair of the Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation. For 55 years, the Fifth Third Bank Silver Horseshoe Award has been awarded to various organizations and individuals who’ve made significant contributions in our community.
The Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation, a 501(c ) 3 not-for-profit charity, was established in 1998. The Foundation receives and manages charitable contributions on behalf of the Kentucky Derby Festival, Inc., and is dedicated to providing assistance for charities in the community. Since its inception, the Foundation has given more than $350,000 to support other non-profit agencies and charitable causes.
