June 26, 2008-Midway, Ky-The Board of Directors of Thoroughbred Charities of America, (“TCA”), approved grants of $1,592,225 to 147 non-profits in areas of rescue, research, backstretch, education and therapeutic riding, covering 35 states.
TCA is a fund raising organization which follows a “ United Way ” method of providing the Thoroughbred industry and supporters a way to give to one entity which then distributes annual grants to hundreds of Thoroughbred industry non-profits.
“The recession, upward pressure on gas prices and the reduction in horse slaughter has increased the prevalence of unwanted horses, putting a severe financial burden on the horse rescue groups who receive much of their support from TCA,” said Herb Moelis, President of TCA.
TCA raises funds primarily through their Annual Stallion Season and Art Auction, slated for Dec. 5, 2008 at Keeneland this year, and facilitated by Fasig-Tipton Auctioneers. In its 19 th year, the TCA Annual Auction has brought in over $15,000,000, with over 96 cents of every dollar raised going directly to the charities.
Liz Harris, Executive Director of TCA, expressed gratitude, “Nearly every stallion farm donates seasons to the TCA auction, purchased by other supporters, creating the funds so desperately needed by the very charities handling the industry's ex-racehorses, backstretch, research and other vital non-profits.”