Crohn’s and Colitis’ ‘Bet on Cures’ event Dec. 3 at racetrack

The San Diego Chapter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) will host its inaugural fundraising event “Bet on Cures” on Saturday, Dec. 3 at the Del Mar Racetrack during the Bing Crosby season. The event will feature horseracing, casino games with celebrity dealers, hosted bar and hor d’oeuvres, private betting windows and chances to win amazing items in a live auction and ultimate raffle.

Known collectively as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis affects one in 200 people. They are painful, medically incurable diseases that attack the digestive system. Many patients require numerous hospitalizations and surgery. Most people diagnosed with an IBD begin to develop symptoms between the ages of 15 and 35; however, the incidence is rapidly increasing in children.

This year, CCFA San Diego will honor Jeffrey Bloom of Bloom Racing Stable for his pioneering work in thoroughbred care and making a difference in his community.

A San Diego native and graduate of San Diego State, Bloom is a thoroughbred industry veteran of more than 35 years. He was a professional jockey in addition to serving as a racing manager, marketing and media relations consultant and broadcaster. Following his riding career, Bloom founded and now runs Bloom Racing Stable, a fully integrated horse racing company.

Bloom is extremely passionate about race horses and their overall welfare both on and off the racetrack. He is proud to have recently joined the advisory board of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, a nonprofit organization that provides funding for approved racehorse aftercare facilities. He is also a nine-year board member of Ivey Ranch Park Association, a nonprofit organization that provides service and care for special needs children through therapeutic equine activities.

This event is chaired by Dani Steinberg of Carlsbad, and she is joined by “an incredible committee of leaders,” including Andrea Williams, John Crawford and Jeremy Martin of Solana Beach, Leonard Steinberg, Bobbi Ceccio and Pam Kenney of Carlsbad, Mike and Cathy Plant of Escondido, Alissa Speziale of San Diego and Tenley Molzahn of Encinitas.

Funds raised from this inaugural event will support CCFA’s mission-critical research, education and support programs happening right here in San Diego. To learn more about the event and purchase tickets, visit betoncures.org or call (619) 497-1300.