(Edited press release)

The Florida Thoroughbred Charities donated $315,000 in 2007 to benefit equine and community programs at the local and state level. Since 1990 the FTC, a non-profit organization and the charitable arm of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association, has raised nearly $4 million.

The FTC is committed to strengthening both the industry and community through its three annual fundraising events. The events include the January stallion season auction, held at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co., which features breeding seasons donated by local farms and stallion owners.

The March auction and cocktail party include silent and live auctions of items and services donated by individuals and businesses, and this year the event was held at Live Oak Plantation.

In October, the FTC holds its annual golf classic. The proceeds of this event go exclusively toward a scholarship fund which benefits FTBOA members’ children, employees, and employees’ children.

All funds raised during these events goes directly to the organizations. This year’s recipients include:

$88,000 to educational organizations in the state and community:

Central Florida Community College/Endowed Chair and Equine Studies Program
Early Learning Coalition of Marion County
Public Education Foundation of Marion County/Black Stallion Literacy Project
University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine’s Animal Science Department

$68,000 to organizations which benefit area families and children:

Boys & Girls Clubs of Marion County
Florida 4-H Foundation, Inc./State
Florida FFA Foundation, Inc.
Florida Junior Rodeo Association
Ocala/Marion County God & Country Day
Marion County Children’s Alliance
Marion County 4-H Horse Specialty Club
Marion Saddle Club
Marion Therapeutic Riding Association
Southeastern Youth Fair
Stirrups ‘N Strides

$95,000 to benefit the Equine industry:

Florida Division of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation
Florida Horse Park
Horse Protection Association of Florida
Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation
Marion County Cooperative Extension Office/Horse Specialist

$39,000 in Individual Scholarships

$25,000 in Benevolent Requests

(Additional proceeds added by the Florida Thoroughbred Farm Managers and Ocala Farm Ministry)