FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Lucinda Mandella
Arcadia, CA – August 30, 2008
CARMA Kick Off Raises $100,000 for Retired Racehorses
At its first public event, CARMA (California Retirement Management Account) raised more than $100,000 for retired racehorses, launching the new non-profit’s 2008 fundraising campaign. A fun filled evening, held at the Del Mar Hilton on Aug. 21, was enjoyed by more than 300 owners, trainers, jockeys and fans and included a silent auction and charity poker tournament.
The Texas Hold ‘em style poker tournament was won by Dennis Yokum, racing manager for Mercedes Stable. Other top finishers included owner Bob Bone, trainer Peter Eurton, and Del Mar executive, Craig Dado. More than 200 players took part in the tournament, which raised $50,000.
The silent auction, which alone raised more than $65,000, included unique items such as Kobe Bryant and Derrick Fischer autographed Lakers basketballs, an oil painting that originally hung in the Bay Meadows Turf Club, and several stallion seasons with live foal guarantees to such popular California sires as Bertrando, Event of the Year and Unusual Heat. A signed and framed Erica Nordean print, “Women in Racing,” a very popular and hotly contested item, went for $635.
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. CARMA’s first grants will be awarded in January 2009.
CARMA is run by an independent board of directors and is responsible for hosting fundraising events, educating owners and trainers on equine retirement and working to unify the industry in support of our equine athletes. Visit CARMA’s website at www.carma4horses.org. A 501(c )(3) non-profit charity, CARMA is actively seeking contributions. Donations are tax deductable and may be sent to: CARMA, PO Box 1086, Sierra Madre, CA 91025-9086. (Tax ID #80-0146395).
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