Feb/120
TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR MID AMERICA HORSE RESCUE’S “ST. LOUIS DERBY PARTY”
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Kristin Gumper
(314) 630-5459
kristin.gumper@yahoo.com
Katie Schergen
(314) 740-5955
katieschergen79@webster.edu
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR MID AMERICA HORSE RESCUE'S "ST. LOUIS DERBY PARTY"
Funds generated will help rescue, rehabilitate and retrain ex-racehorses
ST. LOUIS (February 29, 2012) – On May 4, 2012, Mid America Horse Rescue (MAHR) invites all to celebrate the 138th running of the Kentucky Derby by attending “St. Louis Derby Party,” a fundraising event to rescue ex-racehorses from slaughter, which is a practice that could be restored in the U.S. following the lift of the November de facto ban.
Funds gathered from the event will go directly to the care and nourishment of the rescued Thoroughbreds, who are awaiting training for therapy programs to serve people in need.
Tickets cost $75 and are available for purchase before Friday, April 27, at http://derbypartyhorserescue.eventbrite.com. Attendees will be treated to wine, beer and the comfort of southern style hors d’oeuvres at The Four Seasons hotel in downtown St. Louis from 7:30 to 11 p.m.
In light of the lifted ban on horse slaughter, “St. Louis Derby Party” celebrates the lives of these noble creatures and showcases the opportunities for second chances once they stop winning.
“We believe that by retraining Thoroughbreds, which are naturally intuitive, intelligent and athletic creatures, we can transform the racing industry,” said Margo Sutter, MAHR founder. “By giving unwanted ex-racehorses the retraining they need to carry out their next purpose, they can become service animals, and profoundly enhance the lives of those with disabilities or life challenges.”
In 2011, MAHR launched new therapy programs in collaboration with Arise Equine Therapy. In addition, through collaborative efforts with the racing industry, MAHR helped kick-start aftercare programs, such as the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association Galloping Out program. Programs such as these support vibrant new lives for ex-racehorses.
Guests will hear about successful ex-racehorses now thriving in the Midwest, and from legendary Derby jockeys, who will bring guests to the forefront of the racing action. Silent and live auctions and a raffle will feature items such as VIP tickets to the Arlington Million, private stable tours, stone cellar wine tastings, and unique dining experiences provided by Cardinal Club Chef Alex Eusebio. Attendees will walk the red carpet, and sip on Churchill Downs’ official libation, the mint julep (available for purchase in souvenir glasses to benefit the organization). Ladies are highly encouraged to don their derby hats for the Derby Hat Competition.
Join MAHR in saving these noble creatures and providing programs that make a difference by purchasing tickets to the event at http://derbypartyhorserescue.eventbrite.com. All proceeds will go directly to the Thoroughbreds, who are in desperate need of funding for food and retraining. Those who would like to help but are unable to attend can make a donation via the same page.
About Mid America Horse Rescue:
Mid America Horse Rescue, a non-profit organization based in Millstadt, Ill., was founded in 2008 to fill a void in the horse racing industry. The group rescues, rehabilitates and retrains ex-racehorses for adoption, or for therapy programs to serve people in need. The organization also assists the racing industry by encouraging the development of retirement funds to support horses after their racing career is finished (often retired at only four-years-old). The facility currently cares for about 50 Thoroughbreds – with needs ranging from training and complex medical care, to simply love. It is one of only 13 licensed equine rescue facilities in Illinois. We need financial support in order to continue operating the rescue and shelter facilities.
Please join our mission at www.midamericahorserescue.org.
###
Editors Note: Please contact Kristin Gumper at kristin.gumper@yahoo.com or (314) 630-5459, or Katie Schergen at katieschergen79@webster.edu or (314) 740-5955 for photography of the rescued Thoroughbreds.
Feb/120
A Volunteer’s Take – And Invitation
Hello fellow equine enthusiasts. My name is Corey Hudson and I have been volunteering at Mid America Horse Rescue (MAHR) for 1.5 years. Before that, I volunteered at another equine rescue for 4 years. Thanks to MAHR, I met my boy Chap, the ex-racehorse that I adopted in 2011.
I got involved in volunteering because I learned about the uncertain fate that horses now face. These majestic creatures – whose ancestors we credit for helping to build this country – are being discarded as if they are no longer have any use. Their fate often ends in neglect, abuse or even slaughter.
Now more than ever, horses desperately need the assistance and support of horse owners and equine enthusiasts.
What makes MAHR different than other rescue facilities is a unique idea that has just recently taken shape. MAHR's concept involves rehabilitating and retraining ex-racehorses (primarily Thoroughbreds) for equine assisted therapy programs.
The concept not only benefits the horse by making it a useful tool to mankind, it also enhances the lives of those who need this type of rehabilitation (both horses and humans).
As a seasoned volunteer, I must say that volunteering is not easy, but it sure is fun. It's physically demanding and a person needs to be in pretty good shape to work at the facility. Regardless, the work is so satisfying knowing you are caring for the horses by giving them a second chance.
If you would like to learn more, or are thinking about volunteering or supporting Mid America Horse Rescue, we encourage you to join us on May 4, 2012, at the St. Louis Derby Party. The fundraiser will support the care and nourishment of these noble creatures, and allow us to share more with you about how ex-racehorses can enhance the lives of those with disabilities or life challenges. Just be sure to purchase your tickets by April 6 via http://derbypartyhorserescue.eventbrite.com.
It will be a great time for a great cause and I guarantee you'll be inspired. On behalf of the volunteer crew at Mid America Horse Rescue, I hope to see you there!
-Corey Hudson
Feb/120
St. Louis Derby Party!
On May 4, 2012, Mid America Horse Rescue invites you to celebrate the 138th running of the Kentucky Derby by attending “St. Louis Derby Party!”
The fundraiser is slated as THE Derby Party in the Midwest – and even better – funds will provide food, shelter and medical care for more than 50 ex-racehorses at Mid America Horse Rescue.
Purchase tickets by April 6 via http://derbypartyhorserescue.eventbrite.com!
Feb/121
Service or Disservice; Diligence and Integrity
This tragic story brings to light a pertinent issue in the equine industry – integrity. We must always consider whether we are doing a service or disservice to the horse in everything we do.
At Mid America Horse Rescue, we work extremely hard to rehabilitate, retrain and be as diligent as possible throughout the entire application and adoption process. It’s one of the many reasons why our adoption application is so thorough.
It is our job to ensure that as we rescue, we’re not just flipping horses. We are making sure in every possible way that these great and noble creatures are going to loving homes, where they can lead vibrant, successful and productive lives.
http://www.paulickreport.com/news/ray-s-paddock/kelsey-lefever-every-one-of-them-is-dead/