The fundraiser was on pace to meet its goal of $150,000 when an anonymous donor put forth a dollar-for-dollar matching fund up to $150,000. This was met by the end of the day, bringing the total raised to over $300,000, making it CARMA's most successful event.

“Today has been about the horses, about the racing industry coming together, about supporting our equine athletes, and about all the non-profit organizations dedicated to Thoroughbred Aftercare,” said Billy Koch, CARMA's President and Little Red Feather Racing Founder and Managing Partner. “I know I speak for the entire CARMA Board of Directors when I say we are overwhelmed by the generosity and support the racing industry has shown today. Aftercare is not an afterthought–and that was proven today.”

CARMA Executive Director Lucinda Lovitt added, “We can't thank everyone enough for all their support today. CARMA only has one major fundraiser a year, so having the racing community come together in such a big way means so much. And of course, all our success was magnified by the generosity of an anonymous donor whose matching fund of $150,000 knocked this year's goal out of the park. We cannot even begin to express how big of an impact these additional funds will have on our programs and for our aftercare charity partners this year.”

For more information and to donate to CARMA, visit CARMA4horses.org or contact Lucinda Lovitt at (626) 574-6622 or lucinda@carma4horses.org.

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With the help of TVG, CARMAthon shared the spotlight on Pacific Classic Day and shined on social media platforms. TVG's on-air commentators promoted the event throughout the day, highlighting the importance of aftercare for the sport. The network also created and played videos showcasing Thoroughbreds who retired through CARMA's Placement Program in their second careers as sport horses.

“The success of CARMAthon means so much to us and the horses,” said Billy Koch, CARMA's Treasurer and Little Red Feather Racing Founder and Managing Partner. “Taking care of horses is a responsibility and that's the truth and what we're all about. Thank you to everyone who donated to our fundraiser.”

Throughout the month leading up to the big day, CARMAthon hype dominated Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Many supporters could not wait to donate to CARMAthon and began making contributions before the event even started. Once CARMAthon kicked off Saturday morning, donations continued to come in around the clock, even during the early morning and overnight hours.

“We were so touched by the overwhelming success of the event in back-to-back years,” said CARMA Executive Director Lucinda Lovitt. “We didn't know if people would be receptive to another virtual fundraiser but the level of donations, and social media engagement by the racing community, fans, and equine enthusiasts across the country was just amazing.”

CARMAthon donors included TVG Network, Marsha Naify, Samantha Siegel, Oak Tree Racing Foundation, Bob & Jill Baffert, James Perry, Joe & Debby McCloskey, Santa Anita Park, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Amerman Racing, Golden Gate Fields, Madeline Auerbach, MyRaceHorse, Onofrio Pecoraro, Ben Posen, Edward “Rusty” Brown Jr., Mickey Segal, Domenic Savides, Gary Hosman, Rick Gold, Joel & Cathy Eichenberger, Thorbred Stables and Kevin Lane.

For more information and to donate to CARMA at any time, visit CARMA4horses.org or contact Lucinda Lovitt at (626) 574-6622 or lucinda@carma4horses.org.

The post CARMAThon Raises $125,000 For Aftercare Programs In California appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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