On Oct. 8, Florida Thoroughbred Charities raised more than $35,000 with a day of charity events including breakfast seminars, a luncheon with Kentucky Derby winning breeder Gail Rice, a silent auction, book signing, art show, a golf tournament and awards dinner/dance.

The golf tournament was won by Stonehedge Farm South and Ocala Equine Hospital finished second. When accepting prizes, Stonehedge Farm South golfer Paul Sharp said, “This one’s for you Gil,” as he pointed up to the sky, signifying the deep loss felt by many upon the passing of the farm’s owner Gil Campbell in September.

Phil Wright, the Chief Business Development Officer of the event’s title sponsor AdventHealth Ocala, spoke at the dinner highlighting the role their healthcare plays within the community and their mission. Marc Russell, general manager of Stone Creek Golf Club was key to the event’s success along with chair and FTBOA executive board member Valerie Dailey and golf co-chairs Debbie Green and Donna Delahunty.

A number of celebrities attended the event including Mike McBath (Buffalo Bills), Mike Reilly (LA Rams), Reggie Branch (Washington Redskins Super Bowl 1984), Bob Stinson (Seattle Mariners), PGA instructor Mark Werning, Larry Green (Porsche auto racing, Matt Storm (World League of American Football), Steve Pisarkiewicz (Cardinals, Packers), Jacinto Vasquez (jockey) and Gerri Polci of the Four Seasons band.

Florida Thoroughbred Charities is the charitable arm of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' & Owners' Association. Since 1990, FTC has strengthened and supported the community by raising more than $3.5 million for charitable organizations within the thoroughbred industry, the city of Ocala, Marion County and the state of Florida.

Showing the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association’s commitment to thoroughbred retirement, the charity primarily funds the only female inmate program partnering with retired thoroughbreds in the United States. The Second Chances Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) farm at the Lowell Correctional Institution gives women a chance to learn equine skills needed for gainful employment after release. In 2020, the farm celebrated its 20 year anniversary. FTC also funds youth education and other community programs.

First place team Stonehedge Farm South

Gail Rice breeder of Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit

Florida Thoro-bred Fillies President Joan Dilibero

Beth Bayer

Stone Creek Golf Club GM Marc Russell presents prizes to second place team Ocala Equine Hospital

Title sponsor AdventHealth Ocala’s Phil Wright

Michael Gilliard from the Seminole Fence team Golf co-chair Debbie Green (center) with executive board member George Russell and Karen Russell

Former NFL players Mike McBath and Steve Pisarkiewicz join jockey Jacinto Vasquez