The Breeders' Cup announced Sept. 25 that it has selected City of Hope, a leading research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes, and other life-threatening diseases, as its primary non-profit beneficiary for the 30th running of the Breeders' Cup World Championships, to be held Nov. 1-2 at Santa Anita Park.
As a part of the relationship, Breeders' Cup has pledged to raise a minimum of $50,000 for City of Hope at this year's event. Racing fans will have the opportunity to contribute to City of Hope when purchasing tickets online as well as through various promotional activities onsite; collection booths, merchandise sales, and Public Service Announcements.
Breeders' Cup is also teaming up with Tickets-for-Charity to offer guests special VIP Charity Packages, including exclusive Trophy Lounge seating, private handicappers, enclosure passes, star-studded kick-off party tickets, and more to benefit City of Hope. These packages will be available exclusively on their website.
"We are delighted to announce our partnership with such an outstanding organization as City of Hope for this year's Breeders' Cup in Southern California," said Breeders' Cup president and CEO Craig Fravel. "For many years, City of Hope has been at the forefront of treating those in vital need of medical services for life-threatening diseases. We welcome them as a new part of the Breeders' Cup family."
Now celebrating its centennial, City of Hope is recognized worldwide for its high-quality patient care and groundbreaking science. City of Hope's mission is to quickly turn research ideas into better prevention strategies and cures.
"City of Hope is deeply honored to be selected as this year's Breeders' Cup beneficiary," said City of Hope CEO Michael Friedman. "The funds and awareness raised by this truly unique event will help us speed new medical and scientific breakthroughs to patients not just at City of Hope, but worldwide. Our doctors and researchers specialize in discoveries and care that create longer and healthier lives for people everywhere. This recognition will help us in our work."
A special event hosted by Breeders' Cup, Santa Anita Park and VITAS Healthcare will take place Oct. 30 at the racetrack during morning workouts to honor City of Hope survivors where they will have the opportunity to meet winning Breeders' Cup owners, trainers, and jockeys.
In addition to City of Hope, Breeders' Cup will continue to support Equine charities, including the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, California Retirement Management Account, and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, among others.
