May 28, 2004
For Immediate Release

Contact: Rev. Bob Giese - 847/870-7784 or
Walt Herrs – 847/858-1555


CITIZENS PROTEST ARLINGTON PARK RACETRACK’S
DECISION TO REIN IN BACKSTRETCH MINISTRY

Picket lines are going up at Arlington Park Racetrack this Sunday afternoon (May 30) at 1:00 PM. Area church members and friends are protesting Arlington’s decision to separate Reverend David Krueckeberg from his flock. By suddenly allowing only a weekly worship service, the Racetrack managers have arbitrarily eliminated educational programs, pastoral counseling, and advocacy -- all vital components of ministry.

For over thirty-five years Rev. Krueckeberg has had unbridled access to the Arlington backstretch as he ministers to exercise riders, hot walkers, grooms and other racetrackers -- the men and women who care for the horses seven days a week. Currently there are about 1,200 workers and their families, mostly Mexican migrants, who live on the backstretch.

“It is quite possible these actions have come as a reaction to Rev. Dave's long-time tireless advocacy for better conditions on the racetrack in terms of housing and other life-essentials,” said Rev. Bob Giese, Board Chairman of Racetrack Ministries, Inc., the non-profit organization that sponsors Rev. Krueckeberg’s ministry.

The protest will take place outside the Wilke Road entrance to Arlington Park Racetrack, beginning at 1:00 PM. The entrance is located on the west side of Wilke just south of Northwest Hwy and the Metra tracks.

Racetrack Ministries, Inc. was organized in 1988 as an ecumenical ministry supported by concerned and caring Christians of all denominations. Rev. Dave is a true friend to the people he serves and touches lives daily on a person-to-person basis.