Why was I attacked for giving $1M to COVID-19 fund?

Since coming to Arizona 23 years ago, I have strived to be a good corporate citizen, to give back to the community. As the owner of the horse racing track Turf Paradise, which has been operating in Arizona since 1956, I take that role seriously.

It is upsetting that the writer of a recent story decided to quote a collection of critics who would put a bad spin on a well-intentioned donation. A select group of disgruntled individuals associated with the racing industry actually attacked me for donating a million dollars to Arizona’s COVID-19 relief fund.

It is regrettable these critics believe their individual wants should outweigh the desperate needs of so many Arizonans. And The Arizona Republic inexplicably provided these critics a forum. Would The Republic prefer I not donated? Has our public discourse actually denigrated to this point?

The donation came from my personal funds, and not the racetrack.

We are in the middle of a crisis, and when the call for help went out, I was glad to answer that call. My motivation to donate was for the greater good. It’s also personal. I am in the vulnerable age group and am a cancer survivor.

To me, the relief fund can do a lot of good including funding of personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline doctors and nurses. It gets money to food banks, domestic violence programs, homeless shelters and low income students who need computers so they can learn at home. One hundred percent of what is donated to the fund goes to those in need.

I would like to use this forum provided to me by the Republic to encourage more people to give to this fund, including those who would criticize me. Many Arizonans still need help.

The claim that I was attempting to gain influence with this donation is insulting. The fact that The Republic would run such a story is as well, and disappointing.

As the owner of a highly regulated industry, I constantly have issues before state government. Does that mean I should refrain from ever donating money to assist our great state?

If my goal was to further my business interests, there are far better ways to spend a million dollars.

But that wasn’t my goal. My motivation was to help my adopted home and a place where I have been visiting relatives since the 1950s.

Turf Paradise, the first Arizona sports franchise, is a proud, local institution. Despite immense challenges to the horseracing industry we have continued to stay in business, employing hundreds, contributing millions to the state economy, and carrying out a proud tradition that has spanned more than six decades.

It is not always easy and the COVID-19 crisis has greatly increased that challenge; as it has done for Arizona businesses large and small. We had to shut down in March, during the height of our season.

Ours is a property that has had gambling for over six decades, long before others. Whatever happens with changes here in the future, if any, possible additional gaming will be decided on the transparent merits by state leaders.

I happen to think we could be a financial boon for the state at a time when it needs it most. This is the case across the country. But that is a separate issue for separate consideration involving other complexities.

I have endured a number of negative and unfair stories over the years. I have chalked it up to the price of owning such a high profile business. But I never thought I would pay a price, and have my character attacked over an act of charity.

Never has the phrase “no good deed goes unpunished” been truer.

I am not sorry for donating this money. I would do it again.