The first annual “Race to Give” campaign co-hosted by the Hagyard Horse Health Institute and Thoroughbred Charity of America (TCA) began in September as an online awareness and raising program to support childcare mastery, which ended Friday with a raise of more than $125,000. Officials from Hagyard presented the TCA with a check for $125,117 during a winner’s circle ceremony at Churchill Downs.
Dr Luke Fallon, DVM of Hagyard, said: “Starting a new charitable endeavor is always a challenge and often takes a while to build momentum. “So we tried to set a realistic goal, but I think we underestimated people’s passion for aftercare. As the campaign started, we realized that a six-figure goal was not out of the question. ”
A representative from Hagyard thanked all participants for their support of the effort, with numerous racing teams across the industry, farms, businesses and organizations instilling the competitive spirit.
“As we mentioned at the launch of the campaign, competition is at the heart of who we are and what kind of industry we are. So we wanted to bring competition into the Race to Give,” said Ken Ford, CEO of Hagyard Pharmacy. “It shows up in some fun sporting events and the highly entertaining Run-A-Muck challenge where people are challenged to donate or close a booth. I couldn’t list everyone who was actually in the Race to GIve, but to see the likes of Carter Carnegie and Allie Scafani participate has been amazing.”
I agree @suefinley‘NS #RunaMuckChallenge because the @Hagyard‘NS #racetogive and i challenge @btbrown To donate, muck a booth or both!
To contribute, visit https://t.co/wObqGAhDK6 pic.twitter.com/1dOwIJjj21
– Katie Petrunyak (@katiep_tdn) October 17, 2021
The fundraising effort also features corporate sponsors Thoroughbred Daily News (TDN), TVG, Resolvet, Keeneland and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA). “Our industry partners are simply amazing,” Fallon continued. “And we had to send an additional appeal to Thoroughbred Daily News and TVG. They are extremely generous with their advertising space and editorial content to help spread the word. For about six weeks, Race to Give was a key part of the industry discussion. “
In addition to raising money for aftercare, Race to Give is also designed to raise awareness about the importance of aftercare. With thoroughbreds living an average of 20 years or more after retiring from racing, they can move into a second career in new disciplines such as event organizers, hunters/divers, lagoons, westerns , polo, horseback riding, equine therapy, and more. Purebred dogs are extremely versatile and can often be retrained for many areas. Responsible owners can prepare their horses for future success by placing them in a TCA-approved and TAA-approved aftercare program where they can be trained. for his next career.
“As we pause to think about what we are grateful for this week, I know one of the things on my list is to be part of an industry that understands the importance of it,” said Mike McMahon, President of TCA. importance of the next career for Thoroughbreds,” said Mike McMahon, President of TCA. “This check, and the hundreds of Race entrants who have donated, are clear evidence of the sincere love we all have for these animals.”
Detailed results of the Race to Give campaign are available at RaceToGive.org.
Fallon said: “This year’s campaign is really great. “Now just imagine what we could do with the whole year to plan for the 2022 campaign.”
