CARMA’s annual fundraising event returns on Saturday, August 16th with a red-carpet twist and a blockbuster-worthy campaign to support Thoroughbred aftercare—kicked off with an exclusive donor celebration in Rancho Santa Fe.
Rancho Santa Fe, CA — Lights, camera, CARMAthon! This summer, the California Retirement Management Account (CARMA) is rolling out the red carpet for its signature event: CARMAthon: New Beginnings—a star-studded campaign with real-world impact for retired racehorses.
At the heart of the campaign is a Hollywood-style trailer for a fictional film that plays like a summer blockbuster—complete with high stakes, big energy, and four-legged stars. While the movie is fictional, the cause is very real: raising critical funds to support the care, retraining, and rehoming of retired racehorses in California.
To celebrate the start of the campaign and honor those who make it possible, CARMA hosted a private Donor Appreciation Event on Wednesday, July 16 at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. Guests got a first look at the cinematic trailer and mingled with CARMA’s Board of Directors in a coastal-chic celebration of gratitude and support for Thoroughbred aftercare.
“This year, we wanted to do something fresh and captivating that honors the heart of our mission and the thrill of racing,” said Lucinda Lovitt, Executive Director of CARMA. “It’s a lighthearted trailer with a serious message. Aftercare isn’t optional. It’s the promise we owe every runner.”
Now in its 17th year, CARMA has awarded more than $6.3 million in grants to aftercare organizations and placed over 470 horses. These horses go on to thrive as therapy animals, eventers, trail partners, and family companions—all thanks to responsible ownership and continued industry support.
CARMAthon Save the Date: Saturday, August 16
CARMAthon: New Beginnings goes live from Del Mar Racetrack on FanDuel TV, with featured CARMA stories airing alongside the day’s racing coverage. Think telethon meets Hollywood premiere, with aftercare in the spotlight.
Learn more, watch the trailer and donate: carma4horses.org/carmathon-2025
Because in this movie, the heroes need your help (and donations!).