April 15th 2022
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jessica Paquette
jessica@trfinc.org
Saratoga Springs, NY – The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s annual Winter Appeal, highlighting the growth of the TRF’s Second Chances program in New York, has raised over $50,000 for the organization’s herd of over 450 retired racehorses thanks in part to a $25,000 grant from Business for Good.
“The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation offers sanctuary for life for a herd of over 450 retired racehorses throughout the country,” said Pat Stickney, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s Executive Director. “We have a rich history in New York and are excited to continue to grow and expand our TRF Second Chances programs in the state through the generosity of individual donors and this wonderful grant from Business for Good.”
The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation announced the expansion of its TRF Second Chances program in February. The flagship Second Chances program at Wallkill Correctional Facility, which began in 1984 and continues to operate today, will be joined by the TRF Second Chances Program at Wyoming Correctional Facility in Attica. Work is underway at the property to prepare the facility for the arrival of horses. To start, the program will welcome ten retired racehorses to the facility and as the program grows and strengthens, additional fencing will be added to accommodate up to a maximum of 25 retired racehorses at the facility.
“Business for Good is proud to support the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, an organization that has tirelessly fought to save and care for retired racehorses in our Capital Region,” said Lisa Mitzen, co-founder of Business for Good. “With our donation-match program, we’re thrilled to rally the generous people who also care about this worthy cause as much as we do.”
The TRF Second Chances Program is a unique and pioneering program where incarcerated individuals build life skills while participating in a vocational training program in equine care and management as they provide supervised care to retired racehorses. The program has successfully expanded to six other states where incarcerated individuals have the opportunity to participate in a rigorous training program where they learn horse anatomy, how to care for injuries, equine nutrition and other aspects of horse care. Graduates of the program receive certification based on the level of expertise they have mastered. After their release from prison, graduates of the TRF Second Chances Program have gone on to careers as farriers, vet assistants, farm managers, grooms, and other jobs in the equine industry.
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 Thoroughbred rescue in the country, the TRF provides sanctuary to retired Thoroughbreds throughout their lifetime.
Best known for its pioneering TRF Second Chances program, the organization provides incarcerated individuals with life-changing vocational training through its accredited equine care and stable management program. At nine correctional facilities across the US, including one juvenile justice facility, this program offers second careers to its horses and a second chance at life for program graduates upon release from prison.
For more information visit: https://www.trfinc.org/
About Business for Good™
With values rooted in equity, access, opportunity, and prosperity, Business for Good has advanced the model of traditional venture philanthropy to Do Good and Give Back to communities in the Greater Capital Region of Albany. Formed in 2020, BFG seeks to give back to move forward and is rooted in the core principle of “for good, not gain.” Comprised of a mission-focused team, Business for Good™ believes no challenge is insurmountable through hard and thoughtful work. With a goal to provide businesses and organizations with sustained support, BFG invests in people for the long term and in every way. Business for Good: building better businesses, stronger communities, and a more equitable world. To learn more, visit www.businessforgood.org
