Newsletter:
Summertime was a blast!
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We celebrated a huge milestone recently - groundbreaking at Wyoming Correctional Facility in Attica, NY, the home of a new TRF Second Chances program!
We are excited to share the transformational power of horses with even more individuals in our home state of New York.
We want to thank the DOCCS of NYS for all of their support and hard work to partner with us and make these dreams happen!
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We Hit Summer Out of the Park |
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We had an incredible summer at Saratoga and are overwhelmed with gratitude for the generosity that was shown throughout the season. |
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On July 25th, the Principessa Elena Society again graciously hosted our second annual Gumbo with Chef Kendrick Carmouche event, which raised almost $5,000. This event has come to signify the unofficial start of the summer for us and had so much fun celebrating the beginning of the season with a packed house of friends of the herd.
There was a great time had by all who attended this sell-out event. Huge thank you to the Carmouche family - Kendrick, Whitney, Olivia, and Kendrick, Jr. as well as Fran LaBelle and Kariann, Gray, Sofia Deno, John and Holly Manganelli, Joe and Karen Isabella and all of the volunteers from the Principessa Elena Society who made this event a true success. Read the recap on the 12866 Blog here!
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One of the highlights of our summer was our second annual collaborative fundraising event "For Jocks and Horses" hosted on August 5th. When everyone comes together, magical things happen and thanks to the Adelphi Hotel, Casamigos and our dedicated board member Anita Motion, we raised $11,500 for the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF).
This event was a true success for both charities.
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Art lovers and horse lovers came together for Art in the Park with an equine twist on July 23rd in Congress Park. This first-time collaboration with Saratoga Arts placed the TRF in a highly visible community leadership role as co-hosts of this summer edition of the popular Art in the Park during the Saratoga racing season. Despite warm temperatures, our volunteers were out in full force serving the herd and we are so grateful - none of this would be possible without our dedicated volunteers. Read the 12866 blog recap here!
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Our many thanks to Annemarie Gugliemo, owner of By the Bottle in Saratoga, for supporting the TRF herd by selling the special 2021 edition Woodford Reserve KY Derby bottles signed by H. Graham Motion and Johnny Velazquez. Annemarie donated all proceeds from these bottles to the TRF. We are grateful for our wonderful community of local businesses in Saratoga who care about our horses and our work "Saving Horses and Changing Lives".
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Thank you to Vince Verro for putting together the event Paint by the Paddock event to support the TRF and Backstretch Employees Services Team (B.E.S.T.) Hosted on a dark day at the track on July 26th in the Four Star Dave Bar, with thanks to the NYRA facilities team, we offer our thanks to the artist Andrea from Art Revival for teaching more than 80 guests to paint their equine masterpieces.
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Throughout the summer, our friend of the herd Richard Migliore dedicated his time to raise funds and awareness by hosting a series of very special, private Saratoga backstretch tours. Guests of all ages from Illinois, Massachusetts, Arkansas, Florida and New York enjoyed Richie's tremendous historical knowledge and vivid personal stories. Happily for our herd, he's offered to offer more tours in 2023. Learn more here!
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The TRF is thankful for the support from the David Cassidy Memorial Legacy Group. The David Cassidy Celebration of a Triple Crown Life recognized our own Pat Stickney and Kim Weir during their August event. We would like to thank the group for always advocating for aftercare and recognize their dedication. Their event helped raise money for the TRF and several other organizations.
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On Alabama Day, the TRF was happy to introduce our herd and our mission to racing fans at the NYRA Community Booth at Saratoga Race Course. We are thankful for everyone's time and all of our volunteers and staff that helped bring aftercare awareness.
Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation had a great time representing the horses we love and we are thankful to NYRA for the opportunity.
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Finally, the main fundraising and friend-raising event of the summer was our annual BBQ at the Barn. Sold Out eight days in advance, even some intense weather could not dampen the enthusiasm of our staff or supporters.
We'll share more details soon!
Sometimes in life, you have to dance in the rain and we did just that. Our BBQ was a joyful celebration of the reason we do what we do - to save horses and change lives. With the help of our supporters, our team raised over$50,000!
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Thank You for Supporting Merrywinds! |
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At the TRF, we want to extend our gratitude to the supporters and donors who helped us surpass our goal to cover diagnostic imaging and surgery for Merrywinds. Through your generosity, we are able to also cover her transportation to and from the clinic as well as any subsequent care she will require as she recovers. As the saying goes, “it takes a village” and we are so thankful for our village.
THANK YOU!
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A Special Thank You to Andria Elam |
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We have the pleasure of having an ambassador like the 2021 Mrs. California United States, Andria Elam. Andria raised ..... for the TRF! We are so proud to have her on our team. Here is what she has to say about OTTB and the TRF!
A second retired racehorse, Cranky Jack joined our family in 2017! It has been our team mission to dispel stereotypes about OTTBs (Myths like “They’re hot and unmanageable!” or “All they can do is run fast!” or “Children and beginners shouldn’t get near them!” – ALL FALSE!) and encourage other equestrians to join #TeamOTTB!!
We’ve been featured in “California Thoroughbred” and “Thoroughbred Today” magazines, sharing our story and promoting Thoroughbred Aftercare. Jack and I recently hosted our own “Triple Crown Challenge” – a special fundraiser for the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) that raised over $1500!
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As Mrs. California United States 2021, it was an honor to promote Thoroughbred Aftercare during my year of service. I traveled over 18,000 miles promoting the cause and supporting various aftercare organizations across the country. One of the most incredible parts of this journey has been working with Kim Weir and Chelsea O’Reilly of the TRF, who helped connect me to the Second Chances Program. This included the privilege of visiting the Second Chances Program in California and Kentucky, where I witnessed firsthand the incredible impact these retired racehorses are making on the inmates who love and care for them. It’s inspiring to know that through this program, horses AND humans are truly getting a second chance at life.
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The TRF would like to extend a very special thank you to Debbie Green. For the 2nd year, Debbie hosted the End of the Summer Music Fest at Green Hills Farm in Sherborn, MA on August 28th. The event raised over $2,800 for the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.
Special thanks to the Back Pages, TC Scoops Ice Cream Truck, Debbie's friends, family and all of the supporters of the event. Debbie has volunteered with the TRF for quite some time and we are always so grateful for her support.
We featured Debbie Green in our volunteer spotlight in our Winter 2022 E-News.
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Behind the Scenes Heroes of the TRF BBQ at the Barn 2022 |
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Raffle Basket Donors: * Teri Desorbo & Chris Lasher * Benson's Pet Center * Joanne Y. Pierce * Death Wish Coffee * Anthony and Joan Mitola * Lazy Dog Cookie Company * Impressions of Saratoga * Fresh Market * Savory Pantry * Toga Heritage * Saratoga Tea & Honey * Saratoga Olive Oil * The Grey's Courtside Cards * Meg Skerchak * Ballston Spa National Bank * Dunning Street Station * Old Tavern Farm Winery * Taverna Novo * Roosevelt Spa * Expressbet llc * Pitney Meadows Community Farm * Grey d Bug Art * Tailgate & Party Shop * Carol Beleglow * Wellpride * Osteria Danny * DZ * Mouzon House * Cantina * King's Tavern * Saratoga National * Nostalgia * 550 Waterfront * Carson's Woodside Tavern * The Hideaway * Dock Brown's Lakeside Tavern * Lake Ridge Restaurant * Ripe Tomato * Nanola * Andy's Adirondack Grille * Sushi Bistro * Public House * Saratoga Polo School * Belmar's Baked Goods * Sunnyside Gardens *
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Silent Auction Item Donors: * Ramon Dominguez * Donna Brothers * Pete Fornatale* Maggie Wolfendale-Morley * Richie Migliore * Anita & Graham Motion/ Herringswell Stables * New York Yankees * Churchill Downs Incorporated * Dana Schaefer/ Celtic Magic Thoroughbreds * Tracey Buyce Fine Art * Aimee Griffiths/ Watercolors by Aimee * Frankie Flores/ Flores Fine Art Gallery * Skip Dickstein Photography/ Kettlewell & Edwards (framing * Josh Monaghan * Peter Tavares/ Saratoga National * Sackatoga Stables * Rachel Dunn & Bill McEllen * Anthony Stabile * Louis Lazzinnaro * Daniel Sigal * Tom Edgette* Dr. Marianne Mustafa/ Saratoga Family Medical *
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Event & Raffle Basket Volunteers: * Cathy Duffy * Dana Schaefer * Teri DeSorbo * Kim Mariotti * Bob Gronczniak * Dave Nichols * Denise Herman * Pam Petruska * Kevin Murphy * Kariann Deno * Meg Skerchak * Rocco Fuda * Peter Goutos * Cheryl Goutos * Julie Levine * Lucinda Flemming * Monica Marrochello * Maude Walsh * Susan Smith * Mary Estelle Ryckman * Lenore Intilli * Sophie & Grey Deno * and Tinkerbell and Lily too!
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Vendors: The Saratoga Winery * Jeff Walton * Simply Food by Maura * Advantage Press * Dandelion Designs * Loud Media (Walt Adams)
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Afternoon Tea
September 25 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
The timeless ritual of afternoon tea served at picturesque Chestnut Hall offers traditional teas served in China and a delicious selection of scones, tea sandwiches and a sumptuous display of sweets.
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Save the Date: Nov 10-13!!
TRF will be at the Equine Affaire!
Find us at our booth!
November 10th - 13th
Eastern States Exposition
West Springfield, MA
North America’s premier equine exposition and equestrian gathering . . . a unique celebration of the horse offering unparalleled education, entertainment, and shopping opportunities.
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Chestnut Hall Fall StoryFest: Oct 15!
Enjoy an afternoon of dynamic storytelling, live music on the front porch, pumpkin decorating, and interaction with our retired thoroughbred horses at picturesque Chestnut Hall. Food and beverage trucks will be onsite with delicious offerings to compliment the festive atmosphere.
As the day winds down, we’ll gather in the pasture for live bluegrass music and ghost stories from Col. Bob Thompson. Come for the afternoon or evening or purchase full day pass. We even have a VIP option.
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Ansley Cernjul
Los Angeles, CA
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What do you enjoy about being a TRF Volunteer?
I enjoy making genuine connections with people from diverse backgr* ounds all sharing the same purpose: to make a positive impact in the lives of ex-racehorses.
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Why do you choose to volunteer your time with us? Can you describe a few projects?
I used to board my horse at a stable where the owner bought an OTTB. Growing up, I volunteered in any way the equestrian world demanded whether it be therapeutic horseback lessons to those with special nees or barn work for rescue horses. I researched ways to help the ex-racehorse community and found the TRF through a Google search. I choose to volunteer my time with the TRF because of their meaningful impact and purpose not only in the lives of horses but people too.
Recently, I organized a project in Los Angeles to spread awareness for the TRF. I set a table up at one of the local horse shows and gave out supplies. It was a privilege to connect with those from the equestrian community and inform them about the amazing impact we make.
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The Horses Need Your Help! |
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Shop Your Favorite Gear and Support the Herd! |
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Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation
P.O. Box 834
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518)226-0028
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