CARMA fundraiser features poker tournament, auction

The California Retirement Management Account, which finds homes for retired Thoroughbreds, is hosting its annual fundraiser, a poker tournament and casino night at the Del Mar Hilton on July 18.

“Cards 4 CARMA” is a Texas hold’em poker tournament, casino night and silent auction which begins that evening at 6:30 p.m. The grand prize for the poker tournament is a two-night stay at Mandalay Bay hotel in Las Vegas.

In addition, there is a live auction featuring a canvas painting of American Pharoah’s Triple Crown win by portrait artist Stephen Bennett, and use of a Park City, Utah, condominium for three days and two nights.

Live music will be part of the evening. Entry to the poker tournament is $200. Non-poker players can attend for $50, which includes a buffet dinner.

CARMA provides funding for the rehabilitation and retraining of retired Thoroughbreds who ran at California tracks.