We were founded by members of the Thoroughbred industry who recognized a need—and responded
with compassion and care. Today, we’re supported by a board and staff who are deeply connected to this community and committed to its well-being.
with compassion and care. Today, we’re supported by a board and staff who are deeply connected to this community and committed to its well-being.
Board of Directors
Jesse Ullery, Fasig-Tipton Company, Inc. (President)
Sharon Bradley, Central Bank
Gemma Freeman, Stonestreet Farm
Amy McLean, Crestwood Farm
David Smith, CPA, Dean Dorton
Dr. Thomas Riddle, Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital
Adrian Wallace, Coolmore-Ashford Stud
Gibson Wilhite, Wilhite Limited, Inc.
Sharon Bradley, Central Bank
Gemma Freeman, Stonestreet Farm
Amy McLean, Crestwood Farm
David Smith, CPA, Dean Dorton
Dr. Thomas Riddle, Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital
Adrian Wallace, Coolmore-Ashford Stud
Gibson Wilhite, Wilhite Limited, Inc.
Emily Alberti Emily serves as the Director of Advertising for the Paulick Report, an independent thoroughbred website that covers all aspects of the industry. A Maryland native, Emily has over 25 years of professional experience, and her roots run deep as a second-generation horsewoman. Growing up in the industry enabled her to gain invaluable hands-on experience at the track and on the farm, making the mission of Bluegrass Farms Charities incredibly special to her. Emily lives in Lexington with her husband Pete and their two teenage sons, Grady and Devin. “The BGFC provides so much for those who work tirelessly behind the scenes. These dedicated men and women are the backbone of our industry and I am truly grateful I get to be a part of this organization that supports them.” 
Walter Hillenmeyer Past managing partner of Woodlynn Farm. Current owner of Ashland Park Management, a consulting and bloodstock agency. He and his wife Terri have two sons and six grandchildren. His hobbies include golf, travel and spending time with family and friends. "Bluegrass Farm Charities has evolved over the last 20 years helping horse people in their time of need. I am honored to be part of this wonderful organization." 
David Smith, CPA David’s practice consists primarily of servicing and advising closely held and family-owned businesses and their owners, including high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. These services include income and estate tax planning, strategic planning, business consulting, succession planning, and compliance services (e.g. accounting, financial statements, and tax services). David also serves other professional service organizations such as attorneys, engineers, physicians, veterinarians, and other consultants. Some of the particular industries that he concentrates in are retail, wholesale and distribution facilities, manufacturing, equine, various service businesses, estates, and trusts. David has more than 35 years of extensive experience serving clients with complex tax issues and related business advisory services. He began his career with KPMG (1987-1994), then continued at Barr Anderson Roberts, PSC (1994-2015), and joined Dean Dorton in 2016 through a merger. He is an active community member, serving on various boards and committees throughout the region. 
Tom Thornbury Recently retired from Keeneland Sales, Tom was one of the BGFC founders more than 20 years ago. A former President and now a Life Member of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers Club, Tom was also President of the Thoroughbred Club of America. He currently serves as Treasurer of the BGFC. "The BGFC was created to assist farm and backstretch workers and their families. Our goal was to fill the gaps with needed food; medical, dental, and vision services; as well as bereavement, rent, and utilities assistance. Through the years, the BGFC has grown steadily, allowing us to touch many more lives, and offer even more services. We are indebted to our gracious donors and to our dedicated staff and board members for the growth and success of this worthy ministry." |
Gemma Freeman 
Gonzalo Maluenda Gonzalo is originally from Chile and currently serves as the HR Director for Lane's End Farm. With over 30 years of experience in operations and human resources, he brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to his role. Gonzalo finds a strong sense of community and deep fulfillment in being part of BGFC, where he enjoys contributing to meaningful and impactful work.” “I think that helping others builds community and makes everyone feel supported. It lifts people up and brings us joy. I feel a little kindness can make a big difference. Supporting Julie and Bluegrass Farm Charities helps those working in the Thoroughbred industry and directly impacts their lives in a positive way.” 
Patrick Masson "I have been working in the thoroughbred industry since high school and learned early-on that having healthy people around the animals is important to create positive outcomes. Through Bluegrass Farms Charities we are able to assist people and their families when they need it most." 
Kari West Keeneland's Chief of Staff Kari West, who joined Keeneland in 2012, works alongside all departments and manages numerous projects. She oversees Facilities, Operations, Chaplaincy and Human Resources, and she works closely with Keeneland’s Board of Directors. Raised in Nicholasville, Kentucky, West received a degree from Georgetown College and immediately after college went to work for the investment banking firm Ross, Sinclaire & Associates. She serves on the Board of Blue Grass Farms Charities. Kari and her husband, Robb, have one daughter, Elyn. 
Kyle Wilson Kyle graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in International Economics and Spanish and subsequently completed the Darley Flying Start program. He gained experience working for Bradley Thoroughbreds, selling seasons at both Three Chimneys and WinStar Farm, and spent six years at Keeneland as Assistant Director of Sales Development. He is currently the Senior Director of Sales & Recruitment at Inglis Digital USA. Kyle lives in Lexington with his wife and two children. He has been involved with horse racing from a young age through his family and then his professional career. "The Bluegrass Farms Charities services are one of if not the most important groups of people that make this industry work. I believe in our work and feel privileged to be a small part of it. " |
Staff
Bob Baney
Bob came to BGFC as an active volunteer and supporter of the charity. Now he is our Food Distribution manager and has been a "God Send" picking up and distributing items through our food assistance program. On a weekly basis, Bob delivers to Central Kentucky farms and track facilities with fresh items provided by God's Pantry. Bob is an entrepreneur, community leader, and a graduate of Penn State.
Bob came to BGFC as an active volunteer and supporter of the charity. Now he is our Food Distribution manager and has been a "God Send" picking up and distributing items through our food assistance program. On a weekly basis, Bob delivers to Central Kentucky farms and track facilities with fresh items provided by God's Pantry. Bob is an entrepreneur, community leader, and a graduate of Penn State.
Julie Kwasniewski (pronounced Kwaz-new-ski)
Julie is BGFC's Executive Director who brings more than 26 years of fundraising, event planning and administration experience working in the medical and higher educational fields. Julie is a graduate of the University of Kentucky. Julie lives in Georgetown with her husband, Dan.
"If you love the Kentucky landscape, Thoroughbreds racing and grazing, and miles of
4-board fencing, then please thank the hardworking men and women who make this magical place our 'Kentucky home.' Blue Grass Farms Charities is here to give back to the dedicated horsemen by providing benevolent services and family programs throughout the year."
Julie is BGFC's Executive Director who brings more than 26 years of fundraising, event planning and administration experience working in the medical and higher educational fields. Julie is a graduate of the University of Kentucky. Julie lives in Georgetown with her husband, Dan.
"If you love the Kentucky landscape, Thoroughbreds racing and grazing, and miles of
4-board fencing, then please thank the hardworking men and women who make this magical place our 'Kentucky home.' Blue Grass Farms Charities is here to give back to the dedicated horsemen by providing benevolent services and family programs throughout the year."
