SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024) — Shuttle buses can be vital to an organization providing countless activities to the community. Therefore, a need was identified by Horseshoe Indianapolis Racing & Casino executives and a shuttle bus no longer in service at the facility was donated to the Shelby Parks and Recreation. The presentation was made prior to racing Thursday, Nov. 7 at Horseshoe Indianapolis.
 
The 2020 Ford Transit was part of the fleet prior to Covid-19 used to transport people to and from the casino. Following Covid-19, restrictions were put into place and the shuttles were discontinued. The shuttle bus was a newer model added prior to the discontinuation, and the vehicle has only 282 miles. It carries 14 passengers plus a driver, perfect for small groups such as the ones it will accommodate at Shelby Parks and Recreation.
 
“We are happy to be part of something that will benefit a large number of individuals in Shelbyville and Shelby County,” said Trent McIntosh, Senior Vice President. “The donation of this shuttle bus will provide a useful service to the Shelby Parks Department, which touches so many lives in this area. This bus will allow the Parks staff to give many of the kids in their program opportunities to visit and take part in activities they haven’t been able to participate in before. We are proud to have such a significant partnership in our community.”
 
Members of the Senior Leadership Team at Horseshoe Indianapolis were involved in the presentation. Members included Lee Ann Hinthorne, Jacob Vandivier, Eric Halstrom, Trent McIntosh, Elizabeth Beaver, Andrea Shauck, Matt Vassar, Brian Lewis, and Joel Ellcessor. They joined members of the Shelby Parks and Recreation staff, including Tiffany Kredit, Recreation Director, Chris Stephens, Sports Director, Doug Conner, Maintenance Supervisor, Gary Leffler, Assistant Maintenance Supervisor, and Trisha Tackett, Director of Shelby Parks and Recreation. Tackett worked closely with Brian Lewis, Director of Marketing, in moving through all approvals to secure the vehicle.
 
“We are truly grateful for this donation,” said Tackett. “This bus will definitely be an asset to our operations, and we are glad it will receive a new purpose in our community. This bus will be utilized for so many different activities and opportunities for our Summer Camp and Preschool programs. Plus, we are involved in different big events in the community, such as the Highland Games and City events. Having this bus will allow us to assist with moving groups of people all at one time to specific locations.”
 
The title, keys, and temporary license plate was handed over to Tackett following the presentation. After all checks and balances are completed, the shuttle will go into immediate use for Shelby Parks and Recreation.
 
The 22^nd season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing extends through Thursday, Nov. 14. Racing is held at 1:10 p.m. through Thursday. For more information on live racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis/racing or find the track on Social Media @HSIndyRacing.