ATFL News
June 2009
Dear After the Finish Line Supporters,
After the Finish Line is hosting their summer fundraiser, "A Tribute to the Majesty of Thoroughbreds", on Thursday, July 30 from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm at The Hilton Hotel ~ Del Mar. Our fundraiser will coincide with the Del Mar race meet. The excitement is building as the RSVP's and auction items arrive daily. Please consider making a donation to the fundraiser if you are unable to attend. Your support is greatly appreciated.
After the Finish Line's live auction will feature a prized “tournament player seat” at the 8th Annual World Poker Tour® Invitational Tournament. This is your chance to be part of the most exclusive tournament with Hollywood’s Hottest Celebrities, Tournament Champions and the Worlds Finest Pros. After the Finish Line will also auction 2 highly sought after audience seats to the 2009 World Poker Tour Championship Tournament “Final Table” this August in Los Angeles. You will feel the excitement and the tension as the final 9 players compete for this main event championship. After the Finish Line also has Las Vegas experience packages at the finest hotels featuring luxury accommodations, Barry Manilow meet and greet and show tickets, spa appointments and exclusive dining. You can also bid on a round of golf with Del Mar's finest jockeys. More fabulous live auction items will be announced soon. Don't miss your chance to win these special auction items.
We look forward to seeing our guests from last years fundraiser, as well as the many new friends we've made in the past year. If you, your friends or business acquaintances want to volunteer, be a sponsor or donate to our silent or live auctions please contact me at dawn@afterthefinishline.org. Our fundraiser documents, Donor Letter, Donor Agreement, Save the Date and Invitation can be printed and distributed for friends and family. Please RSVP by returning the Invitation.
This month After the Finish Line awarded emergency funds to help Thoroughbreds at three rescue organizations. CANTER-California rescued a Thoroughbred named Warren's Forever who raced several times at Golden Gate Fields but never made it to the winners circle. "Lil" entered the rescue with something similar to a sinus infection. She was treated with antibiotics but three weeks later she showed signs that the infection may have returned. CANTER is consulting with their vet who recommends that Lil may need to be scoped to diagnose and treat this recurring ailment. She cannot start training or be considered for adoption until she is healed. Lil also incurred farrier and dental expenses as well as medical costs for vaccinations, antibiotics and tests related to her infection. ATFL will pay for Lil's medical bills to help her get a fresh start in a new career.
Horse Feathers Equine Rescue in Oklahoma rescued two neglected Thoroughbreds. Arrivo, a 22 year old retired racehorse from Calif. hit the boards 5 times in 14 starts. Thunder, a 16 year old gelding appears to stumble, possibly due to a shoulder injury and may also need to see an eye specialist. Both horses needed funding for vet exams, chiropractic care, dental and farrier work, supplements for joint health, vaccines and medication. They arrived at the rescue with a beautiful braid in their tails yet their prior owners did not properly feed or care for them. ATFL will provide funding to cover Arrivo's and Thunder's intake expenses.
Neigh Savers Foundation in Northern CA rescued Lord's Table now known as Louie. He retired from racing last year at the age of 8 due to a suspensory injury. Louie's injury has healed yet his owners could no longer afford to keep him. While eating he dug so deeply into his food that he choked. In his panic to rid himself of the obstruction he flailed about his stall, falling to the ground. He kicked himself in the face which caused a bone to break that required many stitches. Louie has recovered and he is the gorgeous horse he was on track when he was referred to as “The Lord.” Louie was a great competitor at Los Alamitos, where he once won 5 races in a row and earned over $100k in his career.
Thank you again for your continued support of our efforts to help the rescued Thoroughbreds. We rely on the generosity of a national community of individuals, corporations and foundations who realize the significance of the work we do. Your donations are greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Dawn Mellen, President
After the Finish Line