Thoroughbred Charities of America is pleased to announce the winners of the 2nd Annual TCA Youth Essay Contest. Mary Eddy, 16, of Wilton, New York and Kayla Urbasik, 14, of Ontario, Canada have been named co-winners of the contest.
The contest was open to recipients of services, volunteers, supporters or any one, 18 years of age or younger, that has been impacted by an organization that received a grant from TCA in 2014. To participate, contestants submitted an essay containing a minimum of 300 words and a maximum of 600 words, describing how a TCA grantee charity has affected his or her life.
Essays were judged by select TCA board members and staff of Blood-Horse Publications on numerous criteria including the presence of a compelling and passionate argument, grammar, vocabulary and style, neatness and adherence to contest rules.
Eddy wrote about her experience as a volunteer with Old Friends’ Cabin Creek facility in Saratoga Springs, New York. Old Friends will receive a grant of $1,000 for Eddy’s essay. Read Eddy’s essay here.
Urbasik wrote about her experience adopting a Thoroughbred from Long Run Retirement Society in Canada. Long Run will also receive a grant of $1,000 for Urbasik’s essay. Read Urbasik’s essay here.
“We would like to thank all of the contestants who shared their experiences with us,” said Erin Crady Executive Director of TCA. “The support of volunteers like Mary and adopters like Kayla is invaluable to our grantee organizations.”
Formed in 1990, TCA’s mission is to provide a better life for Thoroughbreds, both during and after their racing careers by supporting retirement, rescue and research and by helping the people who work with them. TCA raises money for distribution to charitable organizations that work to uphold its mission and has granted over $20 million to more than 200 Thoroughbred-related charities. From 2000-2013, 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. For more information please visit www.tca.org. TCA is the charitable arm of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA).