Members of the racing industry in Texas are showing strong support for LOPE Texas, a non-profit racehorse-placement program, the organization reported in a Nov. 15 press release.
Though LOPE has just launched its newest initiative – the Founders Circle – four of 10 VIP donor positions already have been filled. Each donor will contribute $8,000 a year to LOPE to provide for ongoing programs.
“We have been so impressed with the generous support from Texas racing,” Lynn Reardon, executive director of LOPE, said in a statement. “We didn’t expect to see such an immediate response to our early invitations. It’s inspiring to know that so many people in racing care about the racehorses and value the important role LOPE plays in finding these magnificent athletes great new careers.”
According to the release, LOPE plans to gain a broad base of representation from the state’s racing industry. The first four members of LOPE’s Founders Circle are Retama Park, the Texas Horsemen’s Assistance Fund, Manor Downs owner Frances Tapp, and Robert and Janice McNair of Stonerside Stables.
Said Marsha Rountree of the Texas Horsemen’s Assistance Fund: “THAFI was one of the first supporters of LOPE and is proud to continue our relationship for this worthwhile organization."
LOPE Texas is a 501(c)(3) non-profit devoted to providing new careers for retiring racehorses of all breeds in Texas through its Web site (www.lopetx.org) and an adoption and rehabilitation center near Austin, Texas. Since 2003, LOPE has helped more than 585 Texas racehorses transition into new homes at the end of their on-track careers.