July 20, 2003
Special Premiere
Screening of Seabiscuit
On July 20, 2003, the Edwin J. Gregson Foundation and The Don MacBeth Memorial Jockey Fund joined together to host a Special Premiere Screening of Seabiscuit.
Owners Bob and Beverly Lewis
Over 550 members of the horse racing community gathered at landmark The Derby restaurant in Arcadia, Ca., for an afternoon cocktail party followed by swift shuttle to the Seabiscuit screening at nearby Krikorian Monrovia Cinema.
Derby owner Chip Sturniolo welcomed the event as it was in sync with his family’s own reverence for Seabiscuit and jockey George Woolf. Former Derby owner, Woolf, along with jockey Red Pollard, rode Seabiscuit to his many historical victories. Sturniolo was delighted to give the attendees an opportunity to view the restaurant’s prized Seabiscuit and other rare horseracing memorabilia from their extensive collection.
Theater owner George Krikorian, a long-time thoroughbred owner, generously contributed use of his theater. Preparation and staffing of the screening was a complex feat and Krikorian saw that all aspects of the event were worry free. Many thanks to George for his ready willingness to support this exciting affair.
The idea for the event originated through thoroughbred trainer Jenine Sahadi, President of the Edwin J. Gregson Foundation and California Thoroughbred Trainers. “The horse racing community is eager to get together and does not have enough opportunity to do so,” says Sahadi. “Seabiscuit, depicting our industry and its struggles and triumphs, its magnificent settings, and featuring horsemen we personally know, was highly anticipated. It was a natural to bring our horseracing family and the screening of Seabiscuit together. To raise funds for our backstretch workers made the event all that much greater.”
Judy McCarron, President of The Don MacBeth Memorial Fund, also found uniting with Gregson Foundation a great opportunity to continue her pledge to assist injured jockeys and exercise riders throughout North America. Since inception in 1987, more than 1,450 riders have received assistance from the MacBeth Fund and the monies raised from this event will strengthen the resources to serve those in need.
Mr. & Mrs. Ron McAnally and guest
at The Derby reception
The Seabiscuit screening netted approximately $75,000, which will be shared equally by the two organizations. Gregson Foundation has dedicated these monies to the scholarship fund for the children of stable area workers.
“This year, fourteen new and ten re-applicants have been granted an estimated $45,000 for tuition, books, computers, printers, etc.,” says Sahadi. “Most or all students are first generation college attendees. We’re very proud to be involved in making a positive difference in the lives of these children and families. We remain committed to them and look forward to the day they receive their degrees.”
Owners Aaron & Marie Jones
awaiting the start of Seabiscuit
The Edwin J. Gregson Foundation and Don MacBeth Jockey Fund are deeply indebted and grateful to Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures, and Spyglass Entertainment for contributing the Seabiscuit screening, as well as to all others that participated in helping raise funds to benefit backstretch personnel.
Sahadi says, “Fulfilling the mission of the Gregson Foundation has been made possible through the generous support of many owners, trainers, the racing associations, and numerous others. We thank each and everyone.”