As COVID-19 continues to have a devastating impact on communities around the world, Breeders’ Cup is conducting a "Cocktails & Conversation" virtual Happy Hour to help support relief efforts for Thoroughbred racing’s backstretch workers and other industry stakeholders in need. Backstretch and other industry workers are vital to the success of the racing industry and many of these workers are struggling as tracks are forced to close across the country amid coronavirus concerns.

Breeders’ Cup has showcased more than 150 Guest Chefs and Mixologists from acclaimed independent restaurants at Taste of the World events, as well as through dining programs at various host sites. Due to COVID-19 social distancing orders, many of these restaurants have been forced to close resulting in layoffs for thousands of restaurant workers.

The donations will support the following charities:

- Race Track Chaplaincy of America is an organization whose purpose is to minister to the spiritual, emotional, physical, social, & educational needs of the workers within the horse racing industry. 

- USBG National Charity Foundation’s COVID-19 Relief Campaign bolsters the USBG Bartender Emergency Assistance Program which supports qualified bartenders, bar backs, and bar servers who need financial assistance as a result of a catastrophic event or an emergency hardship. Recipients are screened, vetted, and awarded assistance on an objective and non-discriminatory basis. 

- Restaurant Workers Relief Program is a joint project from Maker’s Mark and the Lee Initiative, a charitable organization formed by Chef Edward Lee in Louisville. It’s a multicity effort to support hourly employees (and out-of-work owners) struggling to make ends meet. Participating cities:  Louisville, Washington DC, Los Angeles, Seattle, Cincinnati, Brooklyn, Denver, Chicago, Atlanta, Lexington, Boston, San Francisco, and New Orleans.