The Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma and Oklahoma Quarter Horse Racing Association have jointly announced the creation of a benevolence account for horsemen impacted by the storms.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in Oklahoma following this horrific event," the organizations said in the May 22 statement. "There are many horsemen who have been affected by this tragedy and have lost everything they own.
"Celestial Acres, which rents out stalls to multiple trainers, took a direct hit along with the highly publicized damage at the Orr Family Farms. Both horsemen's organizations along with Remington Park in Oklahoma City are working together in coordinating relief to horsemen that have been affected by the storm.
"Both offices have been encouraged by the outpouring of support and offers for help from across the country; it truly displays 'horsemen helping horsemen.' Many of those horsemen have lost everything—horses, possessions, tack and equipment, and their homes. They have many needs that cannot be met by traditional social agencies.
"The TRAO and the OQHRA will be jointly accepting donations for horsemen who were affected by this tragic event. All donations will be distributed directly to horsemen and their families that were affected by the storms in this area."
Those that wish to make a donation using a credit or debit card may phone the OQHRA at 405-216-0440. Checks should be made payable to either TRAO Benevolence Fund or OQHRA Benevolence Fund with "2013 Tornado" on the memo line.
Donations may be sent to:
Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma
2620 NW Expressway; Suite A
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
Oklahoma Quarter Horse Racing Association
P. O. Box 2907
Edmond, OK 73083
For more information, contact the TRAO at (405) 427-8753 or the OQHRA at (405) 216-0440.
"We are still in the process of evaluating the need for additional help for these families and are working together with the Oklahoma racetracks to coordinate activities and support services for our racing community," the statement said.