Turf Paradise is coordinating two fundraisers to assist injured jockey Anne Von Rosen, who was paralyzed below the waist in a spill March 11 at the Arizona track.
Von Rosen has undergone several surgeries for spinal cord injuries and is currently in physical therapy.
On April 12, during Fan Appreciation Day, there will be a "Walk for Annie" giving fans an opportunity to walk the track with the jockeys for 400 yards, which was the length of Von Rosen’s last race. To participate, fans are being asked to make a minimum contribution of $5 for a special wristband but any amount would be welcomed.
On April 16, there will be a horsemen’s auction, both silent and live, along with a bake sale and dinner benefiting the injured rider. Among the auction items is a piece of racing history, legendary jockey Red Pollard’s satchel and leggings. Pollard is best known as the jockey for Seabiscuit. Other featured items include an autographed saddle from the late jockey Bill Shoemaker, unpublished photos of Horse of the Year Zenyatta, and a saddle signed by the jockey colony at Santa Anita Park.
The benefit will take place following the live racing program. Due to the huge response, the auction and dinner event has been moved to the Turf Paradise park pavilion tent on the track apron.
The fundraising efforts for Von Rosen have drawn support from the horse racing community across the country. Anyone wishing to contribute to this effort is asked to please contact Turf Paradise horsemen’s bookkeeper Bucky Huff at bhuff@turfparadise.net.
"We are touched by the support Anne has received from the racing community and we thank everyone who has contributed thus far," said Vince Francia, Turf Paradise general manager. "We are all in Anne’s corner."
Those wishing to donate directly may send a check made out to the Turf Paradise Foundation and mark the memo line Anne Von Rosen.
All donations are tax deductible. The address is: Turf Paradise, 1501 West Bell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85023. The Turf Paradise Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) foundation.
