Charity Poker Tournament Benefits CARMA
SAN DIEGO, Calif. (June 7, 2010)--In support of providing funding for the rehabilitation, retraining and/or retirement of Thoroughbred horses that have raced in California, CARMA (California Retirement Management Account) will be hosting its 3rd annual charity Texas Hold ‘Em tournament, Poker in Paradise, sponsored by TVG-Betfair, on Saturday, July 24, at the Del Mar Hilton Hotel at 6 p.m.
CARMA is a charitable 501 (c)(3) organization formed to assist Thoroughbred rehabilitation and retirement organizations that facilitate the care and retraining of horses who raced in California and whose racing careers have ended. CARMA ensures the racehorses have retirement options by managing and disbursing funds to qualified retirement facilities caring for such horses.
In support of CARMA’s efforts, attendees of the Poker in Paradise event will enjoy a laid back tropical paradise theme along with heavy appetizers and a specialty event margarita cleverly named the “CARMArita”. Guests will mix and mingle with industry elite, including racehorse owners, trainers and jockeys, as well as celebrities with a heart for racehorses (names to be announced at a later date).
During the event, a special opportunity drawing will take place with the chance to win an emerald-cut 1.13-carat cognac diamond from Prince Jewelers of Arcadia, CA. Every participant in the drawing will receive a commemorative glass and a 40 percent discount at Prince Jewelers with every drink purchase.
“We are extremely proud of the work we’ve done for the horses in our racing community and look forward to the support at this year’s Poker in Paradise event to enable us to continue our work,” said CARMA Board Chair Madeline Auerbach. “The CARMA program has been a proven success in terms of dollars raised and most importantly in the tangible results seen at our benefitting farms and facilities where the horses live. I’ve seen firsthand that the money is being put to good use.”
Individual poker players enter into the Texas Hold ‘Em style tournament with a $200 donation. Poker players are encouraged to bring guests to attend and enjoy the event. Corporate tables for 10 players are available for a $3,500 donation. Additional donation opportunities will be available through on-site opportunity drawings. Register for the event by July 1st and receive a complimentary Clubhouse Pass valid any single day of 2010 Del Mar Meet.
Winners of the poker tournament will walk away with a variety of prizes that include:
1) A highly coveted Turf Club Table at Del Mar’s Pacific Classic Day
2) One year of Pro Flowers deliveries
3) Santa Anita box (Box seat for 4 for an entire season at Santa Anita)
4) Pamplemouse Grille dinner for 4
5) One year online subscription to Daily Racing Form
6) An Erica Nordean art print
7) Tickets to the 2010 Breeders’ Cup at Churchill Downs
CARMA is funded by individual donations and by their work with the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) to adopt a rule allowing for a 0.3 percent deduction from purses to help fund equine retirement. This deduction, one owners can opt-out of, is used to help support equine retirement farms and other non-profit programs that care for and retrain retired Thoroughbred racehorses. To date, CARMA has received support from 80 percent of horse owners.
Since its inception in 2008, CARMA has granted $414,000 which has provided care to over 400 Thoroughbreds that participated in California races at some point in their career. Over 80 percent of the funds raised by the organization are utilized in the day-to-day care of these horses.
Tickets for the Poker in Paradise event are now available at www.carma4horses.org. For questions please call (626) 574-6622 or email info [at] CARMA4horses [dot] org. The Del Mar Hilton hotel is located at 15575 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, California 92014. Attendees must be at least 21 years of age.
