GEORGETOWN, KY – NOVEMBER 21, 2011 – Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility and 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, has received a second $50,000 grant from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). The announcement was made today by Old Friends founder and president Michael Blowen.
In 2009 Old Friends was one of five organizations chosen to participate in the ASPCA’s “Rescuing Racers Initiative,” a $1 million granting opportunity made possible by a generous donor designed to support horses impacted by the racing industry. Old Friends also received a $50,000 grant in 2010.
The majority of the funds will be used to construct four new paddocks on Old Friends’s Dream Chase Farm in Georgetown, KY, allowing the organization to provide safe retirement for even more Thoroughbreds.
Old Friends supports more than 100 retired racehorses, including a dozen on its satellite facility in New York, Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division.
Most recently Old Friends permanently retired GR1-winner and top sire Afternoon Deelites, Breeders’ Cup Turf Champion Prized, and Metropolitan Handicap winner You and I. The farms are open to tourists daily by appointment.
“We are so grateful for this funding,” said Michael Blowen. “We appreciate the support and confidence the ASPCA has in Old Friends to continue its mission.”
In 2010 the ASPCA awarded more than $1 million in the form of 93 grants to equine rescue groups and humane organizations in 32 states, nearly doubling the $546,789 distributed in 2009. The ASPCA works to protect and aid horses through legislation, advocacy, education, targeted grants, and enforcement of the carriage horse and cruelty laws in New York City.
To learn more about the ASPCA Equine Fund visit www.aspcapro.org.
For more information about Old Friends visit their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org or call (502) 863-1775.
About Old Friends
Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 100 retired racehorses. Its Dream Chase Farm, located in Georgetown, KY, is open to tourists daily by appointment. Old Friends also has a satellite facility in Greenfield Center, New York, Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division, which is also open to visitors. For more information on tours or to make a donation, contact the main farm at (502) 863-1775 or see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.
MEDIA CONTACT: Cynthia Grisolia, (347) 423-7322, cagrisolia@yahoo.com or Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org