FTBOA MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

Tammy A. Gantt Associate Vice President, Director of Membership Services & Events, FEC Contributing Editor and FTC Industry & Community Affairs JOHN D. FILER PHOTO

Upcoming Events & Deadlines

GALA CELEBRATES CHAMPIONS

The Emerald and Gold FTBOA 75th Anniversary Horse of the Year Gala is March 16. About 350 industry members, trainers, owners, breeders, fans and their guests are expected to attend this year. The event is at the Circle Square Cultural Center ballroom in Ocala and begins at 5:30 p.m. The dress code is cocktail attire or better with emerald, gold, black or white encouraged. The evening’s agenda includes: the Florida Thoroughbred Charities extensive silent auction, followed by a lavish dinner and a short live auction of packages including a trip for three days and two nights for four for fishing in the Keys and World Series tickets for each American League home game among other items. The night culminates with the awards ceremony, honoring Florida’s champions both human and equine. Tickets are $125 for each member and their guest and $150 for each non-member. A table of ten, including gold sponsorship is $1,500 and a silver sponsorship of $750. Anniversary packages are also available.

Fundraising is an important aspect of the event for the Florida Thoroughbred Charities. The charity fully sup

ports the Florida Thoroughbred Retirement Farm at the Lowell Correctional Institution. Also known as Second Chances Farm, the program carries the slogan, “Helping Horses, Changing Lives”, as women inmates are given the opportunity to earn an equine certification degree and learn new skills working with retired thoroughbreds. This helps retired thoroughbred develop skills for other disciplines and gives the women a chance to rehab themselves and get gainful employment after they are released.

You can watch interviews of last year’s award winners at horsecapitaltv.com.

MEMBER DAY AT TAMPA BAY DOWNS

On Sunday, March 29, FTBOA members are encouraged to attend Tampa Bay Downs for a hospitality experience thanks to generous farm support and Tampa Bay Downs management. The event is located in the Northside tent, no RSVP is necessary, but bring along your membership card for entry (2019 cards expiring on March 31 are still valid for this event). The day includes seating, lunch, a mystery wagering voucher, an official racing program and a charity silent auction for the Tampa chaplaincy and retired thoroughbred programs. The area is private but members will receive wristbands to be able to come and go throughout the track. ■