Bloodstock Auction's second Annual Online Stallion Cover Charity Auction has smashed its fundraising goal, raising more than $100,000
for Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Western Sydney.
After the first annual auction netted $50,000 in 2017, Bloodstock Auction
Director Anthony Gafa set his sights set on doubling the tally in its second
year, and was ecstatic to have exceeded the target.
Bloodstock Auction Director, Anthony
Gafa said "After last year's success, and seeing how well it was received
by the industry, we set our sights on $100,000 this year. We were optimistic
the industry would get behind such a great cause again and they didn't disappoint."
"Not only did we double last year's tally, we also exceeded our target and
raised $101,250, which will benefit seriously ill children and their families."
The auction featured over 70 stallion covers from some of the best and most
successful stallions in both Australia and New Zealand. Stallions owners and
Stud Masters donated their stallion covers, electing to donate either 50% or
100% of the proceeds towards the cause. Many of the donations were unreserved.
"My team and I have been absolutely blown away by the support and generosity
from the industry. From the bottom of my heart, I'd like to thank everyone who
has been involved. Whether you donated a cover, bid on a cover, bought a cover
or simply helped us get the word out, we couldn't have done it without you,"
said Mr Gafa.
In 2017, the funds raised were directed towards finalizing construction on the
new, 60-room Ronald McDonald House at Westmead, with the new facility
officially opening in February, 2018.
The new premises can accommodate more than 1,360 families each year, and has
also meant turning away families a thing of the past. With the previous 18-room
House consistently at capacity, up to 400 families were turned away in 2017
alone due to lack of capacity.
As a result of the increased number of families the House is now able to
support, operational costs have also risen steeply.
Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater
Western Sydney CEO, Belinda Woolford said "Each night, we provide
accommodation for up to 60 families with seriously ill children, during what is
often the most challenging time of their lives, support from companies like
Bloodstock Auctions is vital to the charity, allowing us to continue the
support we give to families. It can cost up to $154 per night to provide a room
for a family, so this generous donation from Bloodstock Auction and their
community of stallion owners and bidders will go a long way to ensuring
families can stay together while their child receives vital hospital
treatment."
Anyone who missed the auction or would like to donate to Ronald McDonald House
Westmead can do so online at rmhc.org.au/westmead or call the House on (02)
9806 7111 to donate over the phone.
Bloodstock Auction exceeds fundraising target
Advertisment
More Reading...
Pedigree Watch – Euro France 3YO – Aga Khan Breds on Fire
French Classic trials at Longchamp overnight produced a couple of exciting prospects by Churchill and Siyouni that are both bred and raced by Aga Khan Studs.
Bloodstock Brains Behind the Big Stables
The modern world of big business horse training sees all the major players having trusted bloodstock agents as an integral part of their team and in the case of Bjorn Baker that person is Jim Clarke of Clarke Bloodstock.
Yes Yes Yes It’s Been a Big Week for Kate Nivison!
This time last week passionate owner breeder Kate Nivison was basking in the success of having bred and sold a $1.7million Extreme Choice colt at Inglis Easter and today she was enjoying a different sort of success as a winning owner at Kembla.
Belclare Seeking to Find Best Form Back in Australia
Dual Group One winner Belclare’s return home for a three-race campaign didn’t go to plan earlier this year, and now she is back on the other side of the Tasman to try and get her preparation back on track.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday April 15
Here is the full list of 27 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Almanzor Mare Benefits from Maturity
Time was always going to benefit Mehzebeen and the Almanzor mare continues to emphasise that in her five-year-old season.
One to Watch – Kembla
The juvenile maiden at Kembla on Tuesday was an intriguing affair featuring a number of well-bred and very expensive colts on debut, but the winner was a stylish first starter filly by Capitalist that broke 56 seconds for her debut win.
Kiwi Sprint Star Crocetti Arrives in Perth
Kiwi Group One-winning sprinter Crocetti has landed in Perth ahead of next week’s A$5 million The Quokka (1200m) at Ascot Racecourse.
Who Do You Pick? Star Mares of Tomorrow
In chatting with our guest Jim Clarke this week on our Tara Talks Racing podcast we discussed a topic that will no doubt spark plenty of interest from our audience, if you could have one three year-old filly to take forward and race next season at four, who would it be?
First G1 Winner for Admire Mars
Arrowfield Stud’s handsome Japanese shuttle sire Admire Mars (Jpn) is on the board with his first Group I winner after classy three year-old filly Embroidery captured the Group I Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas( (160m) at Hanshin on Sunday.