CARMA awards more than $500,000 to aftercare charities

The California Retirement Management Account (CARMA) has awarded more than $500,000 to 25 separate aftercare organizations that care for retired California racehorses in its 2015 grant cycle.

On Jan. 30, CARMA will present the charities with a ceremonial check at Santa Anita Park during a winner’s circle presentation.

“We are extremely proud of the work we have done over the past year,” said CARMA founder Madeline Auerbach. “These funds will help buy much needed hay, feed and medications, etc. Hopefully this will give a financial cushion to each of the charities.”

Organizations receiving funding include After the Homestretch AZ, All Vegas Horses, Auction Horse Rescue Inc., CANTER – California, California Equine Retirement Foundation, Equine Encore Foundation, Glen Ellen Vocational Academy, Harmony & Hope Horse Haven, Heaven Can Wait Inc., Heavenly Horse Haven, Hope For Horses, Humanity for Horses, Los Angeles Pet Rescue, Neigh Savers Foundation, Old Friends Inc., Redwings Horse Sanctuary, Saving Horses Inc., Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue, Square Peg Foundation, Thoroughbred Rehab Center, Tranquility Farm, TROTT Inc., United Pegasus Foundation, Whispering Meadows Ranch, and White Rock Ranch Horse Rescue.

“Not only has the CARMA program proven to be successful in terms of dollars raised, we’re able to see tangible results at the farms and facilities where the horses live,” said Lucinda Mandella, CARMA’s executive director. “As we go out and visit organizations throughout the year, we can see the money being put to work.”