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Hundreds gathered at Keeneland to celebrate a milestone. 25 years ago, Toyota came to the Bluegrass, bringing thousands of jobs.

Since 1986 the Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing plant in Georgetown has rolled out nearly nine-million cars.

Former Governor Martha Lane Collins led the efforts to bring Toyota to the Bluegrass, making it the first major plant in the US.

"We didn't know exactly what was going to happen," says Former Governor Collins. "We were really, really ready to take on the world."

The plant now provides more than 7,000 jobs to the Lexington area. But Toyota's impact doesn't stop there.

"We not only wanted to do business here, but be a part of the community. It was important for us to find ways to give back."

In 25 years, Toyota has donated more than 52 million dollars to organizations across the state.

"We've also provided numerous venues for our team members to go out into the field and work with our non-profits," says Wil James, President of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky.

Toyota's partnership with Kentucky remains strong for the future.

We've moved forward Kentucky and we're still moving forward with Toyota for another 25 years," says Collins.