LEXINGTON, Ky. – Thoroughbred Charities of America is honored to receive a generous bequest from the Cathy D. Perry Trust. The bequest was presented to TCA board members and staff by Cathy’s son Brandon Perry and daughter-in-law Diannah Perry in the winner’s circle at Saratoga Racecourse earlier in August.
Cathy was a devoted mother to Brandon, an immensely successful entrepreneur and businesswoman, and an engaged resident of Ocala, Fla. Cathy, and her former husband Roger, founded Weisheimer Cos., operator of the Petzazz pet superstore chain, which later was sold to PetSmart in the early 90’s. Upon her passing, Cathy had stipulated in her will that a portion of her estate be given to charity, however she did not cite specific entities. Brandon and Diannah, who are active in the Thoroughbred racing, named 29 charitable beneficiaries, including several Thoroughbred-industry related organizations as well as other animal welfare organizations and many Ocala, Fla. community organizations. TCA will use the bequest to support grantmaking to organizations approved during its 2023 grants cycle.
“The Perry’s support of TCA speaks to their commitment to Thoroughbred aftercare and to the well-being of backstretch and farm workers,” said Mike McMahon president of TCA. “They believe in leading by example and encourage others to support the charitable needs of our industry.”
“Diannah and I have been supporters of the TCA, through the purchase of seasons at the annual Stallion Season Auction for years, and are extremely proud to donate to them now and help make a scalable difference,” said Brandon Perry.
Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) was formed in 1990 to raise and distribute funds to charities in the Thoroughbred industry that 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. In 2022, TCA granted over $783,000 to 74 approved charities working within Thoroughbred retraining, rehoming and retirement; backstretch and farm worker services, research and equine-assisted therapy. During the last three decades, TCA has granted over $26 million to more than 200 charities that successfully meet the criteria set forth in its annual grant application. TCA administers the Horses First Fund, founded by LNJ Foxwoods in 2016, to assist Thoroughbreds in need of emergency aid. TCA manages Cómo, a mobile app founded by Godolphin, that connects racing industry employees to the vital services they need through a network of racetrack chaplains and Thoroughbred industry organizations. TCA is the charitable arm of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA).
