Robert was selected by the Race Track Chaplaincy in 2015 at the White Horse Awards as their Community Service recipient for his continual contributions to organizations throughout the racing industry over the past two decades. 

"These organizations do such more for the horses and so many people, I am honored to be able to contribute to their causes. Through my artwork I am able to raise money that I couldn’t afford to write checks for. I see it as partnering my artwork with people who can write the check with my artwork being the link between the charity, the financial donor and me, the artist. In business people try to accomplish a WIN WIN . . . I think we are achieving a WIN WIN WIN."

I have visited many of these organizations and witnessed first-hand the great work of the people doing the hands on work of these charities.  While I am constantly asked to donate to a seemingly endless list of causes; I have been able to concentrate my support for several organizations involved in a wide array of activities both inside and out of the thoroughbred racing industry.

While I have made a conscious decision to work full time in the sport of horse racing, I am able to contribute to causes that benefit four major areas:

  • The horses

  • The jockeys

  • The workers within the industry

  • Various non-equine charities many of which are spearheaded by my racing clients

The reward for answering a solicitation request is the "exposure" the artist receives by having their artwork at these events.

The artist GIVES because he or she WANTS to GIVE to a select cause that is important to that artist.  In my experience, as the head of several art organizations and as the host of a public television show on the arts, I’ve seen more artists who could benefit from a fundraiser than any other "profession".   With all that being said, I can proudly say that it is my pleasure and my privilege to be able to contribute to the people and horses in this great thoroughbred industry and look forward to continuing to do so as long as positive work can be accomplished for the common good.

As of 2020

Robert’s live paintings for charity, donations from sales of “A Brush With Greatness” , and other print donations have raised almost $500,000 for organizations such as:

Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation 

Old Friends Race Farms

Ocala Farm Managers - Call to Post

Race Track Chaplaincy - White Horse Awards and Race for Grace 

NTRA Charities

National Horse Racing Hall of Fame and Museum

Race for Education 

Anna House / Belmont Child Care Association

Barbaro Fund of Equine Health and Safety Research

The New Bolton Center

Alex's Lemonade Stand

Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund PDJF

Thoroughbred Charities of America TCA

National Turf Writer's Awards

University of Florida Veterinary School

The biggest week of funds raised for charities was Derby Week 2008, when Robert appeared / painted at eight different event over nine days. The total raised was $48,000. That sets the bar pretty high, but maybe that’s why we set goals, isn’t it?

The goal is to pass the $500,000 of charitable donations by the end of 2020.