The Horse Farm Workers' Educational Assistance Fund is a 501(c)(3) Tax Exempt Charity

THE HORSE FARM WORKERS' EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND

ABOUT US

The Horse Farm Workers’ Education Assistance Fund has awarded 34 scholarships for the 2012-2013 school year to children of full-time workers on central Kentucky Thoroughbred breeding farms. Scholarships are for education after high school and are based upon need, merit, essays, and personal interviews. To date, 484 scholarships have been awarded and $954,295 has been distributed since the Fund’s inception in 1996. Over 140 Farm Workers’ Scholars have graduated from college and or technical programs, several with honors and one as a 4.0 valedictorian.

Scholarships are also available for full-time horse farm workers who wish to take equine courses or training related to working more effectively with horses in their current farm job.

According to co-founder Rob Whiteley, President of the Fund, “These scholarships are a meaningful way to support workers who provide the backbone of our breeding industry and to celebrate a wonderful and motivated group of young people who possess an incredible work ethic and great potential.

Many of the scholarship recipients are the first ever in their family to pursue post-secondary education, and quite a few could not attend without our financial assistance. In an era when many youth appear to feel ‘entitled,’ these young people have internalized the work ethic of their parents and most help pay their way through school by working one or more jobs (20-40) hours per week in addition to attending classes. Thus, one goal of the Fund is to provide enough money to these deserving students so that their school work can be their number one priority. Our investment in them has also been an investment in the long term viability of the industry, as many of our scholars have returned to work with or around horses and one has served as Director of Racing at a major North American track.”

Tom Evans, co-founder and Vice President/Treasurer, states, “I would like to thank all contributors who have generously supported and valued this remarkable group of young scholars. Over the years we have received significant contributions from the Carl Pollard Foundation, Thoroughbred Charities of America, the Kentucky Farm Managers’ Club, Kentucky Owners and Breeders and KTA, Fasig-Tipton, Keeneland, Race for Education and the Crafty Prospector syndicate, as well as many individual donors, including generous contributions from Mr. William Marquard of Eaglestone Farm and Mr. William T. Young of Overbrook.”

This year also marks the first year of a special award in memory of Charlie Harris, a horse owner who invested in people his entire life. Lauren Logan has been named as recipient of The Charles Harris Book Award. This award is made to a scholar who is distinguished by a strong work ethic and generous nature, and who is striving toward improving the quality of life and welfare of others through a career in medicine, nursing, public health, or social service.  An inscribed copy of Charlie’s book, Incurable: A Life After Diagnosis is presented as part of the Award. (A detailed tribute to Charlie was written and published by Ray Paulick in the Paulick Report of September 30, 2010).

Board members include President Whiteley who is owner of Liberation Farm, Vice-President/Treasurer and co-founder, Tom Evans of Trackside Farm, Secretary Judge Wilson of Wyatt, Tarrant and Combs, John Stuart, Bluegrass Thoroughbred Services, John Sikura of Hill ‘n Dale Farm, and Chet Blackey, DVM. Carl Pollard serves as an informal advisor. Muffy Stuart is coordinator.

The Scholarship is run on a volunteer basis and over 92% of monies donated flow through to the recipients. Tax deductible contributions may be made to Horse Farm Workers’ Education Assistance Fund, 2938 Four Pines Drive, Lexington, KY 40502-2969. Inquiries regarding applications may be made to 859-269-1719.

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