Poker tourney raises money for retiring race horses

DEL MAR — In support of providing funding for the rehabilitation, retraining and/or retirement of thoroughbred horses that have raced in California, California Retirement Management Account, or CARMA, will host its third annual charity Texas Hold ‘Em tournament, Poker in Paradise, at 6 p.m. July 24, at the Del Mar Hilton Hotel, 15575 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
Register for the event, sponsored by TVG-Betfair, by July 1 and receive a complimentary Clubhouse Pass valid any single day of the 2010 Del Mar Meet.
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 join industry elite, including racehorse owners, trainers and jockeys, as well as celebrities with a heart for racehorses.
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. 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,” CARMA Chairwoman Madeline Auerbach said. “The CARMA program has been a proven success in terms of dollars raised and most importantly in the tangible results seen at our benefiting 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 1 and receive a complimentary Clubhouse Pass valid any single day of 2010 Del Mar Meet.
CARMA is funded by individual donations and by their work with the California Horse Racing Board to adopt a rule allowing for a 0.3 percent deduction from purses to help fund equine retirement.