October 19, 2011– Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) will host a unique fundraiser at Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington, Ky. on Saturday, October 29. The fundraiser, called Play One for the Ponies, will offer bettors the opportunity to donate their pari-mutuel tickets to TCA. At the conclusion of the day?s race card, TCA will cash the winning tickets and all proceeds will be directed to Thoroughbred rescue and retirement.
?We are very excited to launch this unique fundraiser at Keeneland,? said Erin Crady, Executive Director of TCA. ?As Keeneland race goers are placing their bets we encourage them to play one for the ponies and support a great cause.?
To Play One for the Ponies bettors simply place a wager at any pari-mutuel window at Keeneland. They then deposit their tickets in one of the several marked TCA donation boxes which will be placed throughout the grounds.
?Play One for the Ponies is a unique and fun way for race goers to support Thoroughbred Charities of America,? Keeneland President Nick Nicholson said. ?TCA serves an important role in the Thoroughbred industry by making sure our equine friends are taken care of upon retirement.?
In addition to being a unique fundraiser, TCA also hopes to raise awareness about Thoroughbred rescue and retirement through Play One for the Ponies.
TCA?s mission is to provide a better life for Thoroughbreds, both during and after their racing careers by supporting retirement, rescue and research and by helping the people who work with them. Over the past 21 years TCA has distributed over $18 million to more than 200 accredited charities that work to fulfill TCA?s mission. TCA is the charitable arm of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA). For more information please visit www.tca.org.