Woodford Reserve has donated the proceeds from its $1,000 Mint Julep program to Thoroughbred Charities of America, it was announced Dec. 21. The Midway-based non-profit received $116,337 from sales of the limited edition cups.
During the days leading up to this year's Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), Woodford Reserve conducted an online auction for 132 gold-plated mint julep cups with specialty ingredients. The cups were available only on race day, and Thoroughbred Charities of America was designated in advance to receive the proceeds. Woodford Reserve designated three areas of focus for the funds: the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, the Don MacBeth Memorial Jockey Fund, and the New Bolton Center of the University of Pennsylvania, earmarked for laminitis research. Woodford Reserve is the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby.
Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) is a fund raising organization which provides the Thoroughbred industry and supporters a way to give to one entity, which then distributes annual grants to accredited non-profits in Thoroughbred rescue, research, education, backstretch and therapeutic riding. Over 94 cents of every dollar raised is distributed each year to nearly 200 charities.