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Our History Assisting the Children and Families of Racetrack Backstretch Workers The Illinois Backstretch Charitable Foundation IBCF is the benevolent arm of the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemens Association ITHA. Over the past 12 years the ITHA has funded more than 200 scholarships for collegebound children of backstretch workers amounting to a near total of 600000 funeral expense reimbursements for multiple backstretch families and countless help in food assistance. In 2022 the ITHA decided to pursue a 501c3 nonprofit charitable classification by establishing the IBCF. The 501c3 classification will allow the ITHA through the IBCF to continue its commitment to promoting the safety and wellbeing of backstretch workers through Medical Assistance for Licensed Grooms Hotwalkers and Exercise Persons who work on our backstretches and meet certain criteria Food Assistance College Scholarships for Eligible Students Eyesight Programs Funeral Expenses Reimbursement Holiday Dinner for the backstretch employees and their families Illinois Backstretch Charitable Foundation 7301 W.