FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Lucinda Mandella
Arcadia, CA –September 1, 2009
CARMA Raises Over $80,000 at Second Annual Event
Despite a downturn in the economy and everyone thinking “budget”, the Del Mar horse crowd dug into their pockets on August 13 to raise money for retired racehorses. CARMA’s (California Retirement Management Account) Second Annual “CARMA Cares Charity Fundraiser” sponsored by TVG-Betfair at the Del Mar Hilton Hotel was enjoyed by more than 200 owners, trainers, jockeys and fans. The evening included a silent auction and charity poker tournament.
Al Michaels, a regular fixture at the Del Mar races and DMTC President Joe Harper’s brother in law, won the Texas Hold ‘em style poker tournament, with owner Mike Mellon, finishing a very close second. This year’s tournament raised over $41,000.
The silent auction, which raised more than $40,000, had over 90 items. Generous donors contributed such notable items as a LA Lakers jersey signed by Andrew Bynum, a large collection of racing and horse art, and a private dinner at Pamplemousse Grille in Solana Beach.
CARMA Chair, Madeline Auerbach, acknowledged the vital role of the many dedicated volunteers. “So many people donated items for the auction, and we had more than a dozen people assisting throughout the day and evening,” said Auerbach. “They were instrumental in making the evening a success, and CARMA can’t thank them enough.”
All CARMA donations will be used to help care for retired racehorses whose careers have ended after competing in California Thoroughbred races. Through a detailed grant process, facilities that care for such Thoroughbreds may apply for funding on an annual basis. Last year, CARMA awarded more than $150,000 to a variety of charities that retire and retrain ex-racehorses. After such a successful fundraising event, CARMA is looking forward to the grant process which begins in September. The 2009 grants will be presented in December, during the Santa Anita race meet.
CARMA is run by an independent board of directors, chaired by Madeline Auerbach, and is responsible for hosting fundraising events, educating owners and trainers on equine retirement and working to unify the industry in support of retiring equine athletes. For more information, visit CARMA’s website at www.carma4horses.org.
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