Amarillo, Texas, March 8, 2006 – The American Quarter Horse Foundation announced today that it received a generous planned gift of $1 million from AQHA Executive Committee Member Jim Helzer and his wife, Marilyn. The donation will contribute to the Foundation’s Capital Campaign.

One of the first major donations to the Capital Campaign, the Helzers’ gift will help fund the new Hall of Fame & Museum scheduled to be completed in early 2007.

The Helzers, of Arlington, Texas, also have committed $20,000 per year for five years to the Foundation’s Annual Fund. The Annual Fund is the Foundation’s newest ongoing funding program designed to provide annual operational support for the Foundation.

“The Helzer family has been involved with horses since owning our first AQHA horse in 1961,” Jim Helzer said. “Nothing gives us more pleasure than working with and watching our horses perform. As a result of this love of the horse, my family and I are proud to have made a significant contribution to the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum for its continuing endeavor to further the welfare and acknowledgement of the American Quarter Horse and its participants.”

A leader in the American Quarter Horse racing industry, Jim Helzer is a member of the Foundation Council and has taken a lead role in the Foundation’s campaign to raise major capital funds

He is CEO and president of JEH Stallion Station, one of the leading commercial breeding operations in the Southwest. He’s also CEO and president of JMH Investments and The Helzer Company. He is past owner of JEH Company and past president of Eagle Supply Group Inc., a drywall, masonry and roofing distribution company, distributing products in nine states with 33 locations.

“Longtime supporters of the American Quarter Horse, Jim and Marilyn have generously given of their time, money and expertise,” said AQHA Executive Vice President Bill Brewer. “We truly appreciate the Helzers and their gifts to the Foundation.”

The most noteworthy racing American Quarter Horse campaigned by the Helzers was Refrigerator, the sport’s world champion in 1992 and 1993. The winner of the 1990 All American Futurity (GI) after the Helzers supplemented him to the race for $50,000, Refrigerator is currently American Quarter Horse racing’s leading all-time money earner at $2,126,309. He is the only three-time winner of the Grade 1 Champion of Champions, the sport’s richest and most prestigious race for older horses.

Jim is a past AQHA Director and former chairman of the AQHA Racing Council. He also is a member and past president of the Texas Quarter Horse Association and a member and past director of the Texas Thoroughbred Association. Jim serves on the board of the Texas Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association as president and as a member of the Texas Horsemen’s Partnership management committee.
If you’d like to know more about the new AQHA Hall of Fame & Museum, please visit aqha.com/foundation, or call (806) 378-5000.

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