December 15, 2006 — Breyer Animal Creations presented a check for $114,710 to the University of Pennsylvania’s Barbaro Fund at a press conference held at the university’s School of Veterinary Medicine’s New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Pa., on Demember 13. The donation was based on the sale of more than 11,000 Barbaro model horses by Breyer. Barbaro’s owners, Roy and Gretchen Jackson, his surgeon Dr. Dean Richardson and the academic staff of Penn’s Veterinary School, were all on hand for the presentation from Breyer’s President Anthony Fleischmann.
Barbaro, winner of the 2006 Kentucky Derby, continues to inspire the admiration of his fans as he recovers from the life-threatening injury he incured during the Preakness Stakes.
“Barbaro epitomizes all that we admire in a horse. He has that unique ability to capture the attention and passion of the entire country like no other horse has since Seabiscuit,” said Anthony Fleischmann, president of Reeves International, Inc., Breyer’s parent company. “On behalf of the entire Breyer organization, I would like to express our appreciation to all of the model horse collectors and horse lovers everywhere that have made this donation possible by purchasing the Barbaro model. And I’d like to especially thank the Jacksons, Dr. Richardson and the entire team at New Bolton for their extraordinary efforts on behalf of this great horse and ultimately, horses everywhere.”
Dr. Richardson provided an update on Barbaro’s convalescence, noting that Barbaro continues to make good progress.
The New Bolton Center is recognized as a place where the healing begins when all other hope has faded. Daily, the veterinarians and technicians at this state-of-the-art facility work wonders for horses of all breeds and backgrounds, from champions like Barbaro to beloved children’s ponies. Plans have already been made to use the funds donated to the Barbaro Fund for much needed equipment and improvements to the New Bolton Center that will allow the veterinary team to further advancements in the research and treatment of injured horses.
Breyer’s Barbaro portrait model is available at Breyer retailers nationwide. Breyer’s donation represented $10 from the sale of each model. The Barbaro model includes a certificate of authenticity signed by trainer Michael Matz, jockey Edgar Prado and Anthony Fleischmann, President of Reeves International, Inc. Each model has Barbaro’s name stamped on the belly in gold ink. It is be packed in a customized, four-color Breyer box featuring pictures and the story of his career.
To see more of Breyer’s model horse collection, visit www.BreyerHorses.com. Learn more about the University of Pennsylvania’s Barbaro Fund at www.vet.upenn.edu.
