Our Mims Retirement Haven
From AlexBrownRacing
Contents |
About OMRH
| Web Address: | Our Mims Retirement Haven |
| Phone: | Jeanne Mirabito | Cell:</td>(859) 227-6304 |
| Cheryl Bellucci | (937) 776-1904 |
| E-mail: | General: | info@ourmims.org |
| Jeanne: | jeanne@ourmims.com | |
| Cheryl: | cheryl@ourmims.com |
| Paypal link: | sales@ourmims.org |
| Media stories: | OMRH Press Release Page |
Our Mims was the 1977 Eclipse Champion 3-Year-Old Filly. Running in the Calumet colors of devil's red and blue, the daughter of Sweet Tooth won 5 of 18 races, including the G1 Coaching Club American Oaks, the Alabama, and the Delaware Handicap.
In 1990, Our Mims was sold as part of Calumet's dispersal sale. In 1999, Jeanne Mirabito found a pensioned Our Mims while working on a local farm. With the help of the Thoroughbred retirement group ReRun, Mims came to live with Jeanne at her farm in Paris, Kentucky... and a lifelong friendship developed.
Our Mims died from colic complications at the age of 29 in December of 2003 and was buried in Calumet's equine cemetery. Her marker stands as a tribute to the fans who would not let her be forgotten.
In memory of the great mare and her dear friend, Jeanne Mirabito created Our Mims Retirement Haven so other mares will be cared for once their broodmare careers are over, using the standard: "Specializing in restoring health and spirit in aged mares." Cheryl Bellucci quickly joined the effort as OMRH's Director of Fund Raising and Promotion.
OMRH began with the arrival of Mims' half-sister, Sugar and Spice in May of 2004. Donated by the Gaines-Gentry group, Sugar joined 1972 Alcibaides winner, Hope of Glory. Hope was already at Jeanne's farm as a ReRun foster, but with the official formation of the Haven, Hope's care was taken over by OMRH.
After the death of Sugar and Hope, the Gaines-Gentry group donated three mares: Taba (dam of Turkoman, granddam of Turko's Turn, great granddam of Point Given), My Turbulent Miss (dam of Prized and Exploit), and Irish-born Exactly So. Two other mares were donated from George Waggoner at the same time: Iza Valentine (dam of Fran's Valentine, granddam of With Anticipation) and Jamra (full sister to Clever Trick). These fine ladies arrived in November of 2004. Iza Valentine and Jamra are still part of the Haven's broodmare band.
OMRH incorporated in August of 2006 and applied for nonprofit status from the IRS in December of 2006. The Haven was granted a 501(c)3 status on March 8, 2007 (Our Mims' birthday). Donations to the Haven may be tax deductible.
The ladies of the Haven are permanent residents. The Haven currently has room for 10 horses and is at capacity. Renovations on the existing barn are going on now. Through the help of a local company, the Haven is putting memorial stones in its cemetery.
The ladies are supported through donations, eBay auctions of donated items (the Haven's eBay identification is ourmims-org), and the sale of items in its online store. Some special items we have sold in the past are t-shirts (using images of Our Mims and Iza Valentine), Iza Valentine Art Prints, hats, and various signed items. The Haven also has a 2008 date book for sale and horse-themed Christmas Cards.
The Haven is currently selling wall tiles for barn renovations. These tiles are 4" x 8" and can be engraved. The Haven needs to sell 140 of these times to complete the work necessary.
OMRH also accepts sponsorships of the ladies. Names of different levels of sponsorship ("Carrot Contributor", "Peppermint Provider", "Keeper", "Caretaker", "Angel") reflect the different levels of sponsorships available.
Visitors are welcome at the Haven by appointment. Please call or e-mail Jeanne to make an appointment.
Rescue Network
In 2007, OMRH was contacted by the Kentucky Equine Humane Center for possible placement of a California Stakes winning mare. Bel's Starlet, a 1987 daughter of Bel Bolide by Vigor's Star, was trained by Richard Mandella and raced by the Mabees of Golden Eagle Farm. Her total earnings with 46 lifetime starts was $863,802, and she twice won the Cal Cup Distaff. She sold at the 1999 Keeneland November sale for $500,000 to Lakland Farm. Her last foal was a 2003 colt by Point Given. Bel now has a permanent home at the Haven.
In 2005, OMRH was contacted by the Exceller Fund for possible placement of a Thoroughbred mare purchased off a Washington feedlot. The transporation for Hana Bride, a 1982 daughter of 1979 Belmont winner Coastal, was paid for by the Exceller Fund. Hana now has a permanent home at the Haven.
News Releases
June 27, 2008 Our Mims Retirement Haven was awarded a grant of $1,000 from the Thoroughbred Charities of America. The grant will help the Haven repair fencing and expand the pasture for its mares.
Haven Farm Owner and Manager Jeanne Mirabito remarked, "Every dollar means so much to us, here at the Haven. This grant will go a very long way to help the grand dams of the racing industry."
"Rescues are having it tough in recent months," said Cheryl Bellucci, Director of Fund Raising and Promotion for OMRH. "In these economic times, donations are down but requests for our services and Haven expenses are up. That means we are scrambling to make sure our ladies are adequately fed, shod, and medically taken care of. The grant from TCA means we can mend some fencing as well."
Our Mims Retirement Haven was created in 2004 to take in retired Thoroughbred broodmares. Named after Our Mims, the 1977 3-Year-Old Eclipse Champion, OMRH current houses eleven ladies, including Iza Valentine (1985 California Broodmare of the Year), Jamra (full sister to Clever Trick), Timeless Sue (great granddam of 2008 Queen's Plate winner Not Bourbon), Hana Bride (daughter of Coastal), Alabama Nana (ran in the 1985 Breeders Cup Distaff), Little Miss Porter, Australian-born Princess Royale, Bel's Startlet (California stakes winner), Cruella (dam of Diazo), Blue Viking, and Smokie's Love (retired hunter/jumper). Bar Hopper, a Quarter Horse gelding, also shares the ladies' pasture.
OMRH became a 501(c)3 nonprofit in 2006. Featured in Barbara Livingston's "More Old Friends," the Haven specializes in "restoring health and spirit in aged mares."
The Haven is supported through donations, eBay auctions, and its online shop. OMRH is currently holding a building fund drive to complete rennovations to its main barn.
Thoroughbred Charities of America is a fund raising organization which follows a "United Way" method by providing the Thoroughbred Industry and supporters a way to give to one entity, which then distributes annual grants to hundreds of non-profits within our mission. TCA has granted more than $15 million over the past 18 years, to over 200 organizations in 35 states. In addition to regular donations, TCA also maintains an endowment fund, which will ensure continuity of the annual funding so vital to their grantees.
FOB Horses
Add updates of horses rescued with FOB fundraising money. Keep a running total on the number of successful FOB rescues ... all helps build a reputation with FOBs.
Feedback from FOBs
From volunteers who have visited the rescue etc which may include relevant links to the discussion board about the visit.
Questions from FOBs
FOB Questionnaire for Rescue and Sanctuary Officials
1. As the person completing this questionnaire, what is your position with regard to the rescue?
My name is Cheryl Bellucci, and I am the Director of Fund Raising and Promotion for OMRH. Jeanne Mirabito also provided the information for some of the answers.
2. Is the rescue incorporated? If so, do you have the legal authority to speak for the Board of Directors? Who are the members of the Board of Directors?
OMRH incorporated in August of 2006. We have three on our Board of Directors: Jeanne Mirabito (jeanne@ourmims.com), Cheryl Bellucci (cheryl@ourmims.com), and Pam Boyce (pam@ourmims.org).
3. Is the rescue a 501(c)3 IRS rescue? When was this exemption granted? If the exemption has not been granted, when did the rescue commence the application process?
OMRH applied for nonprofit status from the IRS in December of 2006. The Haven was granted a 501(c)3 status on March 8, 2007 (Our Mims' birthday).
4. What is the physical address of the rescue?
OMRH is located at 2810 Millersburg Ruddles Mill Rd just outside Paris, Kentucky.
5. What is the legal nature of the property upon which the rescue animals reside (personal property, property of the corporation, rented property, other as described.) How many foster facilities are associated with the rescue?
The property is owned by Peter and Jeanne Mirabito and has been leased to OMRH for $1. OMRH has no foster facilities.
6. Is the facility a rescue, sanctuary or both?
OMRH is sometimes a rescue in that we might rescue a lady (mare) in need. Once the lady has been rescued, OMRH is a haven or sanctuary. When a lady arrives at the Haven, she is a resident there for the rest of her life.
7. At the time of this questionnaire, how many equines reside at the rescue and any foster facilities associated with the rescue? We currently have fourteen ladies residing at OMRH. Six of the ladies are partially sponsored.
8. What is the date on which the rescue or sanctuary took in the first animal and since that date, how many have been adopted out or officially transferred to another rescue?
We took in ladies before we were incorporated. Our Mims arrived in 1999. Sugar and Spice (our first "official" lady) arrived in 2004. We do not adopt ladies out, to either private citizens or other rescues.
9. What is the primary source of financial resources which pay for the maintenance and emergency needs of the rescue’s equine residents? What is the source of any supplemental funding (please separate local fundraising, ABR fundraising and any other internet fundraising such as Facebook)? Approximately what percentage does each source make up for the total funding of the rescue?
OMRH sells items through its online store (http://shop.ourmims.org) and eBay (donated items such as "named" halters). We accept donations either via check in the mail or through PayPal on our web site. We do not have current statistics as to what percentage of funds come from what source.
10. What percentage of your budget do you spend on each of the following: bail; feed, hay, and supplements; veterinarian; farrier; land (purchased or rented); maintenance of facility (equipment and structures).
OMRH never bails a lady. We spend approximately 90% on feed and supplements, 4% on maintenance (buildings and fencing), 3% on veterinary care, 2% on farrier care, and 1% on dental care for the ladies.
11. Who physically provides for the care of the rescue’s equines? Is there an attendant at the rescue 24/7? During an emergency affecting the primary caretaker(s), who would provide care for the animals.
Jeanne Mirabito is the primary caregiver for the ladies. With the exception of a part time job, she is there to provide care. She lives there.
12. What information is discussed with the Board of Directors and at what intervals do you have meetings? The OMRH board is in constant contact via phone calls, face-to-face meetings, or e-mail. Discussions include the health of the ladies, fund raising possibilities, and wondrous miracles. We "meet" whenever we find the need.
13. How many volunteers do you have and what is the nature of duties they perform? How often are you assisted by volunteers? OMRH has three regular volunteers. One comes once or twice a week for two hours. One comes when ever she has free time. The other comes once every other month. They clean stalls and groom horses. We also have a host of help when ever we call for them. They are minutes away.
14. Who is your primary veterinarian? Is he/she available as a reference?
The ladies of OMRH have Stuart Burns, DVM, as their primary care practitioner. His phone number is available on request. Yes, he will answer questions.
15. Who is your farrier? Is he/she available as a reference?
The ladies of OMRH have Jim Brocato, and their farrier. His phone number is available on request. Yes he will answer questions.
16. Where do you shop for grain? Who is the manager? Is he/she available as a reference?
OMRH buys feed from Woodfords/Spears, Inc. The phone number for Steve Spears, Jr. is available on request. The elder Mr. Spears is may also be available, but is very elderly.
17. What is your primary source of hay?
OMRH buys hay locally from people in Bourbon County. We use whoever has the best hay for the ladies.
18. Describe what the status of the animals would be if the primary caretaker(s) became suddenly unable to provide care for both the short-term and long-term?
The ladies of OMRH will remain exactly where they are. Family and friends will provide the care. If long term help is needed, there is an abundance of help at our fingertips.
19. What is your procedure for adopting animals (please discuss your pre-adoption and post-adoption processes)?
OMRH does not adopt out our ladies. Once a lady arrives at OMRH, she is a resident for life.
20. Once an equine is at the new home, how do you approach follow-up of the animal?
This question is not applicable to OMRH.
21. Do you have an adoption contract? If so, how is the subject of breeding handled?
This question is not applicable to OMRH.
22. Once an animal is taken into the rescue, how is its level of training evaluated?
This question is not applicable to OMRH. We deal mostly with retired Thoroughbred broodmares. We feel they've given everything necessary to their previous owners. We don't retrain… We pamper.
23. What is the rescue’s program for basic ground training of equines that have that initial level of need?
See above answer.
24. What is the rescue’s program for starting horses that have that level of need (please include at what age you would start an individual horse)?
See answer to question 22.
25. What is the rescue’s program for the retraining of horses to make them more adoptable because their present training level is not conducive to adoption (e.g., the OTTB who needs to be training for another activity)?
See answer to question 22.
26. What is your experience with regard to initial training and retraining of horses and other equines that serves to support that you possess the ability to be successful with such activities?
See answer to question 22.
27. What is the rescue’s program for the retraining of horses that exhibit traits likely brought on by improper training?
See answer to question 22.
28. How does the leadership of the rescue approach end-of-life decision for the equine residents (please discuss the circumstances for which such decisions would be necessary and what life-ending procedure(s) would be utilized)?
The ladies of OMRH are elder equines. We do everything we possibly can to assure their health, safety, and comfort. However, OMRH is essentially a hospice for many of the ladies who arrive inside its gates. If a lady is severely injured or becomes ill to the point of requiring extraordinary measures (extensive surgery, for example), Jeanne discusses the situation with the veterinarian. If it becomes necessary to end the lady's suffering, the veterinarian administers the life-ending drugs. The lady is then buried in OMRH's cemetery.
29. Would the rescue’s leadership and/or caretaker(s) consider shipping to slaughter as a possible life-ending method?
Absolutely not; the ladies of OMRH have given their all for the Thoroughbred industry. When life's end comes, they deserve every dignity available.
30. Are you open to a request from donors for pictures and/or other information about a rescue animal that has received funding via ABR?
The ladies love visitors! All we as is that people call for an appointment. We have several FOBs who have been to the Haven and have posted photos and videos of the ladies. We have no problem sharing our beautiful ladies with everyone!
31. What ABR members have you personally requested to assist with fundraising posting (please name them by ABR call name)?
We have never personally requested anyone on the ABR Board to assist with fundraising postings. Either Jeanne, Pam, or I start any fundraising postings.
32. Do these ABR volunteers have their own WIKIs (if not, please ensure that they secure them)?
This is not applicable to OMRH.
33. This questionnaire is entirely voluntary but could have bearing on decisions made by donors to provide the rescue with financial support or not. Given this reality, is there any additional information you would like to provide to heighten a positive perception of your facility?
Our doors are open to all. OMRH never turns away a visitor.
