LEXINGTON, Ky. – Thoroughbred Charities of America has named John Evans as its first TCA Award of Merit recipient of 2016. Award recipients are nominated by the leadership of various state Thoroughbred owners and breeders associations and are presented at each state association’s annual awards ceremonies.
“Last year, in celebration of our 25th anniversary, we named nearly 20 Award of Merit recipients,” said Dan Rosenberg, president of TCA. “The response to the award was tremendous so our board decided to continue it again this year. There are so many people working tirelessly on behalf of Thoroughbreds and those who care for them in our industry and we feel it is important to acknowledge their efforts. We are deeply appreciative of John’s work at Second Chance Farm and are thrilled that he is our first award recipient of the year.”
Evans was presented with the award in front of 400 guests at the 54th annual Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association gala held in Ocala, Fla. Monday evening. Evans was nominated for his work as farm manager at the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s Second Chance Farm at the Lowell Correctional Institute in Ocala. TRF’s Second Chances Program allows inmates to participate in an equine vocational training program while providing supervised care to retired racehorses. Now in its 16th year, over 120 inmates have participated in the program at Lowell Correctional Institute.
TCA Award of Merit nominees consist of individuals or organizations working to provide a better life for Thoroughbreds or the people working with them, either on the backstretch or on the farm. Both achievements are reflective of TCA’s all encompassing mission to help Thoroughbreds and the people who care for them. Subsequent award of merit winners will be announced monthly.
TCA’s mission is to provide a better life for Thoroughbreds, both during and after their racing careers, by supporting qualified repurposing and retirement organizations and by helping the people who care for them. TCA distributes grants to several categories of Thoroughbred-related nonprofits including rehabilitation, retraining, rehoming and retirement organizations; backstretch and farm employee programs; equine-assisted therapy programs; and research organizations. Since its inception in 1990, TCA has granted over $21 million to more than 200 charities that successfully meet the criteria set forth in its annual grant application. From 2000-2014, more than 95% of TCA’s expenditures were allocated to program services including direct grants. TCA is the charitable arm of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA).
