Each year during our annual Member Information Conference (MIC), we have the opportunity to come together, learn and collaborate on the latest and greatest in NISC solutions. It’s also a time to showcase the true cooperative spirit and give back to some incredible organizations.

This year, our Co-op Strong fundraising event paid homage to the local Louisville, Ky., community who graciously hosted our 2021 MIC. The two organizations highlighted were the Retired Racehorse Project and Blessings in a Backpack.

The Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) exists to facilitate placement of thoroughbred ex-racehorses in second careers by increasing demand for them in equestrian sports and serving the farms, trainers and organizations that transition them.

Blessings in a Backpack mobilizes communities, individuals and resources to provide food on the weekends for elementary school children across America who might otherwise go hungry.

Check out the video to learn more about these incredible organizations!

MIC attendees supported this year’s Co-op Strong campaign in a number of ways. First off, all attendees had the opportunity to purchase TOGETHER t-shirts when registering for MIC, with proceeds going to the two organizations. In addition, attendees could also sign up for our Early Birds for Thoroughbreds event on Tuesday morning of the MIC. The event encouraged participants to kick start the day with exercise and participate in an instructor-led bootcamp, courtesy of Forward Fitness. Participants were then treated to a hearty breakfast and a special appearance from Chopsley, a retired racehorse. Thank you to all who joined us for this fun morning! Lastly, MIC attendees could purchase Co-op Strong gear in the Swag Stop throughout the week including t-shirts, belt packs, bracelets and more.

During the 2021 MIC Closing Session on Thursday morning, NISC Vice President of Quality and Process Engineering Todd Eisenhauer thanked attendees for their support throughout the week and announced that a total of $15,490 had been raised for the two organizations.

“Thank you to all who supported our Co-op Strong charities this year during the 2021 MIC,” Eisenhauer said. “That is an incredible total and will tremendously help advance the mission of both Retired Racehorse Project and Blessings in a Backpack. We greatly appreciate your generosity.”