FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Lucinda Mandella
Arcadia, CA –August 25, 2008
Mace Siegel Donates $200,000 to CARMA
Challenges Industry to Support Retired Racehorses
Mace Siegel surprised attendees at the CARMA (California Retirement Management Account) Kick-Off fundraiser on August 21 at the Del Mar Hilton, when he announced he was donating $200,000 to the charity, and challenged other industry participants to step up in support of CARMA.
Siegel, a founding director of Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC), is widely recognized as a leader in Thoroughbred racing for his dedication to the sport and his commitment to charitable causes both in and out of racing. He was instrumental, along with Ed Friendly, in creating TOC to protect owners’ rights, and that organization is now being replicated in many racing states across the country. In October 2007 the Los Angeles Real Estate & Construction Industries Council (LARE) presented Siegel with its prestigious Spirit of Life© award in recognition of his contributions to the renowned cancer center, City of Hope. And earlier this year, he was honored, along with his daughter, Samantha, by the Edwin J. Gregson Foundation for their leadership and charitable efforts in racing.
The CARMA Kick-Off was a fun filled evening enjoyed by over 250 owners, trainers, jockeys and fans. The silent auction raised more than $65,000 and included unique items such as Kobe Bryant and Derrick Fischer autographed Lakers basketballs, an original oil painting from the Bay Meadows Turf Club, and a live-foal guarantee breeding to Unusual Heat. More than 200 players took part in the charity poker tournament, which raised $50,000. Overall, the evening netted more than $100,000 for retired racehorses.
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 such Thoroughbreds may apply for funding on an annual basis. CARMA’s first grants will be awarded in January 2009.
CARMA is run by an independent board of directors, chaired by Madeline Auerbach, and is responsible for hosting fundraising events, educating owners and trainers on equine retirement and working to unify the industry in support of equine athletes. Visit CARMA’s website at www.carma4horses.org. A 501(c)(3) non-profit charity, CARMA is actively seeking contributions. Donations are tax deductable and may be sent to: CARMA, PO Box 1086, Sierra Madre, CA 91025-9086. (Tax ID #80-0146395).
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