LEXINGTON, Ky. – Horsemen will have the opportunity to pledge a percentage of their total earnings to Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) during the upcoming race meet at Kentucky Downs. The pledge drive, called Horsemen Giving Back will begin on Saturday, September 5, opening day at the Franklin, Kentucky track.
“As a Thoroughbred owner myself, I was looking for an easy way to give back to horses and the people on the backstretch that take care of them. Donating a small percentage of our purse money is an easy way to do that. I’m excited about all the horsemen that have stepped up to participate in this fun campaign, and there’s no better place to do it than Kentucky Downs,” said Nathan McCauley TCA board member and chairman of the pledge campaign committee.
“Kentucky Downs is pleased to be able to assist TCA with its fundraising efforts,” said CJ Johnsen live racing manager at Kentucky Downs. “We are committed to giving back to the industry and whole-heartedly support TCA’s work.”
To participate in the campaign horsemen must complete a pledge form found here or in the Kentucky Downs racing office. Pledge forms should be submitted to TCA before September 19.
TCA distributes grants to several categories of Thoroughbred-related nonprofits including retirement, rehabilitation and adoption organizations; backstretch and farm employee programs; therapeutic riding programs; and research organizations. TCA has granted over $21 million to more than 200 charities since its inception in 1990. TCA grants funds to organizations that successfully meet the criteria set forth in its annual grant application.
Formed in 1990, 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 raises money for distribution to charitable organizations that work to uphold its mission. From 2000-2014, more than 95% of TCA’s expenditures were allocated to program services including direct grants. Donations to TCA are always accepted and can be made as direct donations or as donations in lieu of flowers, birthday gifts or other occasions. TCA’s largest annual fundraiser is a Stallion Season Auction held each January. TCA is the charitable arm of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA).
