SRF golf outing a great success

It was the third year with threatening weather for the Standardbred Retirement Foundation's (SRF) golf outing at Knob Hill Country Club, in Manalapan, NJ, but it didn't put a damper on the day or the evening. One hundred twenty-six golfers enjoyed a grilled lunch, a day on the greens, cocktails, dinner and a night of good times raising funds for the 180 Standardbreds the SRF is taking care of until homes can be found.
 
The "Name Your Team" prize went to Darren Cassar, Kelvin Harrison, Shawn Valle and Mark Lewis for their creativity coming up with “3 Down Under Wonders and a Loser”, the name that rocked the room when it was time to vote. Trivia had a new twist with a few questions on SRF that brought facts to life. The auction enjoyed record bids for items such as Ed Lohmeyer's helicopter ride, veterinary services from many of the country's best racehorse practitioners, hyperbaric chamber treatment from Elite Equine Oxygen, a Pennsbury jog cart, a day at the clubhouse at the AT&T PGA Tournament with your favorite celebrity golfer, and much more.  The banquet room was full with one hundred-eighty guests enjoying the auction as Ken Warkentin and John Campbell kept things moving.
 
The Presenting Dinner Sponsor, Valley High Stable, saved the event several years ago when one of the prominent breeding farms withdrew at the last minute as the main sponsor, since then the event's numbers in attendance and funds continue to rise. This year alone saw a 20% increase. SRF's biggest sponsorships came from Showplace Farm, Empire City at Yonkers Raceway, The Meadowlands, Gaitway Farm, Pennsylvania Harness Horseman's Association, Drs. Fox and Bokman, Dr. Patricia Hogan, Magical Acres, and Jeff Webster Stable. “The support from all our wonderful sponsors at all levels is very much appreciated, from our donors of the fabulous auction and raffle prizes, the volunteers, golf committee, and especially our golfers," explained Lella Montgomery, one of SRF's Golf Committee leaders.

The concern for the welfare of horses continues to grow. With SRF struggling to find homes for nearly 200 Standardbreds in their care and 155 more on the waiting list to come into the program, it is clear that owners and trainers are becoming educated on the plight of their horses, and they don't like it. "We are looking to buy a farm to retire our young racehorses that can no longer compete. We are animal lovers," explained Stan Kuchar, a fairly new owner in the business who was one of those who enjoyed the day with SRF on Knob Hill's fairway. (SRF)

« Back