Hoosier Park team members came together for a holiday celebration Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2018. The annual backstretch team member pitch-in was held at the track kitchen at Hoosier Park.

Backstretch team members line up for the annual pitch-in at Hoosier Park Tuesday, Nov. 20. (Photo by Teena Walden)
“It’s a team member tradition to be thankful at the end of the season,” said Teena Walden, dormitory supervisor at Hoosier Park. “It’s my 14th year. Rick Moore always gives us a wonderful speech of appreciation and lots of thanks for our hard work. We are truly a community of friends and family.”
The pitch was held over lunch and included members of the racing office, landscaping , backside maintenance, backside housekeeping, receiving barn, security, and track maintenance. The ham and turkey were compliments of Rick Moore, vice president and general manager of racing. Andrew Paxson prepared the meat items for the event.

The team members associated with the backstretch at Hoosier Park enjoyed a variety of food Tuesday in the track kitchen. (Photo by Sharon Beeman)
“We had so much food that the backside crew is going to eat again on Wednesday,” added Sharon Beeman, identifier at Hoosier Park.
Beeman, known for her baking skills, provided several cakes and pies for the pitch-in. Others brought in homemade dishes. The backstretch crew also decorated the track kitchen for the holidays.
Here’s wishing you and your families a very wonderful Thanksgiving.