The Breeders' Cup announced today that its "Text to Donate" campaign has received a contribution of $10,000 from the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association.
"Text to Donate" was established earlier this month to provide fans a convenient way to contribute to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.
NYTHA is one of the founding members of the TAA, and NYTHA president Rick Violette Jr. sits on the TAA board of directors.
"Thoroughbred retirement and aftercare initiatives have always been a high priority for NYTHA," said Violette in a release. "We have been active in supporting the TAA since its inception, and we hope our contribution serves as a jumpstart for the Breeders' Cup's innovative 'Text to Donate' program. It is up to all of us to ensure that our horses have productive, happy lives after their racing careers are over."
This year, fans, whether at Santa Anita Park for the Breeders' Cup World Championships, Nov. 2-3, or watching the races at home or at an offsite facility, can text donations from their mobile devices to the TAA. They can do so by sending "FUNDTAA" to the text number 56512 (message and data rates may apply).
"We are very grateful to everyone at the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association for this outstanding show of support," said Bob Elliston, Breeders' Cup chief operating officer, in a statement. "Their generous contribution will not just help bring attention to this very important campaign—it will also make a significant difference in the lives of a number of retired Thoroughbreds."
The Breeders' Cup will promote "Text to Donate" through public service announcements on the world television feed of the Breeders' Cup races, and on site at Santa Anita through public address announcements, message boards, and in track program advertising.
"What an outstanding gesture by NYTHA to get 'Text to Donate' off to such a great start, and also by Breeders' Cup to make aftercare such a priority among its many promotional initiatives," said TAA executive director Mike Ziegler in the release. "We are hopeful that racing fans all across the country will follow suit to whatever extent suits their budgets. Every contribution, large and small, will make a difference. And all monies raised will go straight to the care of retired Thoroughbreds."