A long-time horse racing fan, Audrey Skirball had joined with friends in 1972 to purchase a thoroughbred, then established the 3 Plus U Stable, which became quite successful.
Charles Kenis joined his new wife in this pursuit and became a founder and eventually director emeritus of the Thoroughbred Owners of California.
Audrey did not actively manage ASK, but Charles served as president of ASK's board of trustees.
In 1990, Audrey and Charles, through ASK, made a highly publicized donation of $500,000 to the Los Angeles Arts Festival's theater and performance programs.
Soon, ASK emerged with a reputation as Los Angeles' primary funder of small new theatrical projects.