CARMA fundraiser brings in over $70,000 for retired racehorses

The California Retirement Management Account (CARMA) raised more than $70,000 toward the care of retired racehorses in California at its seventh annual “CARMA Cares Charity Fundraiser” on July 19 at the Del Mar Hilton Hotel in San Diego, Calif.

The event, themed “Cards 4 CARMA,” was attended by more than 200 owners, trainers, jockeys, and fans, and featured a charity Texas Hold ’Em poker tournament, various other card games and a silent auction, with the proceeds benefitting the charitable organization.

“So many people donated items for the auction, purchased tickets, and sponsored the event this year,” said CARMA Chairperson Madeline Auerbach. “We could not do such important work and raise these kinds of dollars without the support of our entire community – owners, trainers, jockeys, agents, sponsors and volunteers.”

All CARMA donations will be used to help care for retired racehorses whose careers have ended after competing in California Thoroughbred races. Through a detailed grant process, facilities that care for the Thoroughbreds may apply for funding on an annual basis. Last year, CARMA awarded more than $450,000 to a variety of charities that retire, retrain, and re-home former Thoroughbred racehorses.

The 2014 grant process begins in September, and the grants will be presented in December during the race meet at Santa Anita.