The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) reports that it has received significantly increased support from buyers and consignors at North American Thoroughbred auctions, with voluntary contributions totaling more than a quarter million dollars. While participation varies from sale to sale, comparing 2013 to 2014, the average buyer participation at all sales has increased by 6 percent, from 49.5 percent participation to 52.4 percent.  Consignor participation at all sales grew 7 percent over the last year, from 72.5 percent to 77.8 percent.  From January through the end of June 2014, buyers have contributed $61,996.04, consignors have contributed $81,789.95, and sales companies have invested $106,625.45 in TAA’s mission to ensure industry-wide funding for accredited organizations that care for retired Thoroughbreds. As of the end of June 2014, this has meant another $250,411.44 for TAA’s accredited aftercare partners thus far; billing can continue up to 90 days. Sales revenue is one element of TAA’s goal to establish a broad-based, automatic funding mechanism at every touch point in a Thoroughbred's life. Last year, the TAA began benefiting from a joint decision made by competing sales companies to come together for a common cause.  Buyers and consignors at Fasig-Tipton, Keeneland, the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company, and Barretts Equine Limited have the opportunity to automatically contribute 50 cents for every $1,000 transaction, or $25 to TAA for every $50,000 Thoroughbred that is bought or sold.  Additionally, sales companies donate another half a percentage point of gross sales to TAA. “Taylor Made, Eaton Sales, Summerfield Sales Agency and many other sale participants have told me how proud they are to be a critical part of what TAA is doing to raise the industry standard for aftercare,” TAA Executive Director James Hastie said. “We are grateful to see a growing number of buyers and consignors equally invested in promoting and supporting our mission.”