OUR CAUSE
Supporting Local Organizations Since 1981
Racing for a Greater Purpose
The Iroquois Steeplechase has a long tradition of giving back. Through the Volunteer State Horsemen's Foundation, our event supports organizations making an impact in children's health, the preservation of steeplechase racing and the future of the sport.
Since 1981, the Iroquois Steeplechase has donated more than $12 million to Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, helping support its mission to provide exceptional care for children and families throughout our community.
Our relationship with Monroe Carell is an important part of the Iroquois Steeplechase tradition and a reminder that Race Day is about more than racing.
Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt
Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, a freestanding 343-bed facility dedicated to serving only children, is nationally recognized as a leading provider of pediatric health care services. Experts treat and work to prevent all health issues ranging from common childhood conditions to serious, advanced diseases. Featuring Centers of Excellence for the treatment of diabetes and congenital heart disorders, Children's Hospital also operates the region's only level 1 pediatric trauma unit and a neonatal intensive care unit with the highest designated level of care. In addition, Children's Hospital is a top-level teaching and research facility. As a nonprofit organization, the hospital cares for children of Tennessee and surrounding states regardless of their ability to pay.
Fast Facts
Top pediatric hospital in Tennessee
Designated as 1 of 4 Comprehensive Regional Pediatric Centers in the state
Designated a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center
The only Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Middle Tennessee
The only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Tennessee that treats children, adolescents, and adults as separate specialties but within one institution.
Centers of Excellence for the treatment of diabetes and congenital heart disorders
400+ trained physicians representing more than 30 pediatric and surgical specialties
The Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt provides specialized neonatal and pediatric critical care transport 24 hours a day. Experience and continuous training in the intensive care units and emergency department give them the specialized skills to care for the most critical neonatal and pediatric patients. The team transports critically ill children, from infancy to 18 years of age, from across Tennessee, Southern and Western Kentucky, and North Alabama.
Warner Parks
The VSHF has contributed to the preservation of the Iroquois Steeplechase Grandstands area at Percy Warner Park grounds, and improvements to the Iroquois Steeplechase grounds are paid for by the foundation from race proceeds. That maintenance provides year-round benefits as well as enhancements for the Equestrian Center at Percy Warner Park.
The Foundation for the Horse
Founded in 1994, The Foundation for the Horse is governed and stewarded by equine veterinarians. Their mission to improve the health and welfare of horses is supported by the expertise of many world-renowned caregivers and researchers, unequaled in their ability to identify the needs of the equine and the most critical health concerns facing the equine population.
The Foundation was created around the idea of uniting everyone who is dedicated to improving horse health and well-being. Today, they are a dynamic organization focused on delivering relevant research, education, and outreach to the equine industry.
For more than 25 years, The Foundation has advanced care and compassion through Disaster Relief, Veterinary Projects in developing countries, Veterinary Scholarships, and Equine Research.
Championing the heart of steeplechase by supporting causes at the National Steeplechase Association. These causes provide support to dedicated members, create growth, and focus on safety for all Steeplechase meets. In addition to the charities we support, we hope you consider making an additional donation towards the future of Steeplechasing in the United States.
The Steeplechase Fund supports initiatives that help preserve and strengthen steeplechase racing, including the people, horses and organizations that make the sport possible.
Through this support, we help contribute to the continued growth and future of American steeplechasing.
TGSF: Nurturing Steeplechase's Future
The Temple Gwathmey Steeplechase Foundation works to support the growth and preservation of steeplechase racing in the United States through education, promotion and initiatives benefiting the sport.
The Foundation's work helps preserve the traditions of steeplechasing while supporting its future.
Your Race Day Makes a Difference
When you attend the Iroquois Steeplechase, you're participating in a Nashville tradition with a purpose beyond the racecourse.