Turf Paradise is coordinating efforts to raise funds to assist jockey Anne Von Rosen, who was seriously injured in a March 11 spill at the track.
Van Rosen has undergone several surgeries for spinal cord injuries.
Currently ranked third in the jockey standings at Turf Paradise, Van Rosen was pulling up Panchita Bonita after finishing second in the first race of the day. The horse suddenly went down on the backstretch, somersaulting, and then pinning the Von Rosen underneath. Von Rosen was immediately rushed to the hospital.
On Wednesday April 16, at the Turf Terrace at Turf Paradise, following the races (no later than 6 p.m.) there will be a horsemen's auction, both silent and live, along with a bake sale and dinner benefiting Von Rosen. Volunteers are seeking donations of items for auction.
Anyone wishing to contribute to this effort is asked to please contact Turf Paradise Horsemen's Bookkeeper Bucky Huff at bhuff@turfparadise.net
Those wishing to donate directly may send a check made out to 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.
On Fan Appreciation Day April 12, a "Walk for Annie" fund-raiser is also scheduled. Fans will be able to purchase either a bracelet or t-shirt, and then walk with the local jockey colony on the turf course. All proceeds will benefit Von Rosen.
"Turf Paradise and the horse racing industry are like a large family and Anne Von Rosen's accident impacts us all," Turf Paradise general manager Vince Francia said in a release. "Anne's family and her extended family in the horse racing industry continue to hope and pray for the best possible outcome. We hope as many people come together to help make that happen."