A live and silent auction raised $27,690 during the Texas Thoroughbred Association's annual conference and awards banquet, which was held July 21-22 at the Horseshoe Bay Resort Marriott. The money will benefit the Race Track Chaplaincy of America, the Texas Thoroughbred Educational Fund, and the Texas Thoroughbred Association General Fund."This year, both the live and silent auction afforded our members and guests the opportunity to bid on some truly exquisite artwork and memorable framed photographs of horses ridden by our keynote speaker, Pat Day," said TTA executive director David E. Hooper. "Our members continue to make us proud by supporting our association and other charitable causes."The live and silent auction items for the Race Track Chaplaincy of America included many pieces of artwork autographed by Hall of Fame rider Pat Day. A piece honoring the three Triple Crown winners of the 1970s (Secretariat, Seattle Slew, and Affirmed) brought the highest bid of the auction. Cumulatively, the RTCA auction items collected $10,095. The RTCA ministers to and provides counseling and support for horse racing industry workers affected by substance abuse and other crises.
The Texas Thoroughbred Educational Fund helps place young Texans on the road to success by providing grants and awards to benefit Texas Thoroughbred Association members and their children and further their educational opportunities. The TTEF awarded $24,500 in grants to five students for the 2006-2007 school year, and those grants were funded solely by donations and proceeds from past auction items.During the TTA conference, items in the TTEF live and silent auction included a hunting trip, time-share stay, and tickets to various sporting events, and combined to raise $9,779 for the educational grants. A portion of the proceeds came from raffle tickets sold for a John Deere Gator, which was donated by John Deere and NTRA Purchasing. The remaining portion of the raffle ticket money totaled $7,816 and will benefit the Texas Thoroughbred Association General Fund.
