Saratoga Springs, NY- The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) has received a $50,000 matching grant from the Geoffrey C. Hughes Foundation (GHF) for its 2018 Hay Drive. The GHF will match every dollar received by the TRF up to $50,000 for its Hay Drive campaign through the end of 2018.
The TRF’s goal for the 2018 Hay Drive is $250,000 to cover the cost of hay for the 700 horses in their care throughout the winter of 2018-2019.
“We are grateful to the Geoffrey C. Hughes Foundation for this generous gift and the leadership it represents. By doubling the impact of each dollar given, up to $50,000, we are hopeful that many new donors will be inspired to contribute to this critically important element of the TRF’s annual operations” said Kim Weir, Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving. “This generous challenge gift and vote of confidence it signifies will inspire donors who wish to double the impact of their gift. This matching grant has launched our hay drive campaign with a running start.”
The campaign will be conducted by direct mail, email and social media as well as one-on-one donation requests.
“The TRF Hay Drive is one of the most important campaigns for the organization for Thoroughbreds no longer able to compete at the racetrack” explained Jennifer Stevens, Director of Development. “Hay is our largest horse care expenses each year and the most important element of a horse’s diet, especially in the winter.”
The Geoffrey C. Hughes Foundation was established in 1991 and focuses on causes that were important to Mr. Hughes in his lifetime.
To contribute to the TRF Hay Drive you may give online here: https://www.trfinc.org/haydrive/
For more information, contact Kimberly Weir at 518-226-0028 x 105; kim@thoroughbredretirement.org or Jennifer Stevens 518-226-0028 x 106, Jennifer@thoroughbredreetirement.org
About TRF: Founded in 1983, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation is a national organization devoted to saving Thoroughbred horses no longer able to compete at the racetrack from possible neglect, abuse and slaughter. As the oldest and largest Thoroughbred rescue in the country, the TRF provides sanctuary to retired Thoroughbreds who are unable to pursue second athletic careers throughout their lifetime.
Nationally and internationally recognized for its pioneering TRF Second Chances program, the organization provides incarcerated individuals with vocational training through its accredited equine care and stable management program. At eight correctional facilities across the country this program offers second careers to its horses and a second chance at life for inmates upon release from prison.
The Saratoga Springs, NY -based organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit tax-exempt organization entirely dependent on private contributions; 100% of its budget comes from generous individuals, businesses, and foundations. The TRF is accredited by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and has a Platinum rating with Guide Star. For more information visit: https://www.trfinc.org/