Recio Fundraiser An Unqualified Success

An event held Sunday, Aug. 1 at McCarthy's Irish Bar in downtown Lexington raised better than $83,000 to benefit the family of Mike Recio, the part-owner of the South Point Sales Consignment, who is battling sepsis in the intensive care unit at Central Baptist Hospital.

Spendthrift Farm's Mark Toothaker, a friend of Recio's who helped organize the event, estimates that better than 200 people attended the event at the popular bar and “you couldn't get another person in there with a shoehorn.”

A vast array of experiences, services, unique items and horse memorabilia were offered during a live auction Sunday evening, donated by Central Kentucky businesses from within the Thoroughbred industry and also from without. Bottles of Pappy Van Winkle 20-year bourbon fetched final bids of $7,500 and $10,000, respectively, while a season to Spendthrift's Jimmy Creed was knocked down for a final bid of $6,000. A halter worn by Stonestreet Stable standout Lady Aurelia realized a final bid of $3,200, a pair of barbecues for 50 donated by Proud Mary BBQ combined to raise $8,200 and two sets of five walking videos provided by ThoroStride sold for a total of $4,750. When all was said and done, $83,850 was raised for the Recios.

A separate online auction concluded Monday afternoon, raising an additional $69,000. A GoFundMe page has also been set up to assist the family.

This was the scene at McCarthys in downtown Lexington for the live auction to benefit the Recio Family. Bidding wars encountered for most items. How great is our Thoroughbred Community in the Bluegrass. One big Family United. Kudos to @marktoothaker @lesley_campion @patparamount pic.twitter.com/CbV4KHDyDS

— Rose Hill Farm (@TAOcampo) August 2, 2021