"Greetings. As a jockey for the California Horse Racing Board, I'm grateful for the opportunity that the Winners Foundation has given me. Omar Lizarraga was very patient with me every step I took on recovering from my addictions. They never forced me to make a choice for myself. Most of all, they loved me until I loved myself again. During the time I was not able to work, Winners went out of their way to make sure I had housing, transportation, and money to live on. They found a top-ranked treatment center, Cri-Help Inc., for me to learn a lot about my addiction. The experience Winners Foundation has given me is priceless to my life. All hats off to this organization!"

"I have been a horseman for fifty years. I had problems with drugs and alcohol for many years and today I am a very happy and married man thanks to this organization, Darin Scharer and Omar Lizarraga"

"As an employee on the back side of Santa Anita, I would like the racing community to know how much Winners Foundation and Darin have helped me get my life back on track. I was struggling with my health and addiction, and it took a huge toll on my relationship and professional career. Darin stood by my side and was able to help me get the help I needed. I’m now thriving and feel great. My quality is better, and I feel like I function as a normal human being. I can’t say 'thank you enough!"

Hello, I am a member of this foundation, which for me was salvation. I would like to share a little about my personal life. Before I found out about Winners Foundation, I was an active alcoholic who was totally lost in drinking, I lost all meaning in life. I surrendered everything to my addiction. I was totally shattered - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I felt lonely and sad, and I did not want to keep fighting. I lost jobs, family… I was left with nothing. Worst case scenario, I was torn apart in every way. Then one day I was in the park alone, where I spent my nights sleeping. Suddenly out of nowhere, a person came and gave me a phone number to call. He told me that the people there could help and support me. I decided to call, and for the first time, I felt I was treated as a person. I told them my problem and they offered me their full support. I accepted to go to a rehabilitation center, I met all the requirements. I realized that I really had a problem. Today, I am grateful to God and to Winners Foundation, because thanks to them, I have a stable job. Now I laugh, sing, cry, and scream but everything is different because I live my reality. I thought there was no other way to live, and Winners Foundation has given me the opportunity to live again and see things differently. Thank you for everything Winners Foundation."

"Winners Foundation saved my life. After five years sober, I declined again. You have to do a program to stay sober. I have been in two rehabs and a lot of meetings. I got a sponsor to help me through the 12 steps. I was so scared of drinking and using that I would go to work at Santa Anita Park, and when I finished my shift, I would go to the Winners Foundation trailer... it was a safe place to be. I didn't want to drink anymore. Every day I got a little bit better. One day at a time, one moment at a time, whatever works. Everyone is different. I am now 15 years sober through the Winners Foundation program; they helped me get through it. My life isn't perfect, but I am sober and happy. I live close by in a small place I call home, and I have a dependable truck to get me around town and work. It's an amazing life, it's wonderful. I'm grateful for everything. I love the peace and quiet I have on a daily basis. Thank you, Winners Foundation, for saving my life. Thank God for being in my life."

"I have been a horseman for fifty years. I had problems with drugs and alcohol for many years and today I am a very happy and married man thanks to this organization, Darin Scharer and Omar Lizarraga."

“As an employee of Santa Anita Park for over 35 years, I supervise in a Department that can have up to 300 employees on busy days. I just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the accomplishments of Winner’s Foundation. They are just a phone call away, always ready to do whatever is necessary to help. I have had many experiences with them for our many employees, coworkers and their families. They have aided with alcohol, drug, mental health, gambling, and family issues. We have had many success stories over the years. A lot of our employees have limited health insurance and can’t afford time off work to get help. Winner’s helps in so many ways, whether they need food, clothing, medical or housing, Winner’s is first up to help. Currently, Winner’s is helping me assist several employees who are having Covid- related isolation issues, helping with the mental health treatments. For myself, I cannot thank them enough for helping me and my family also. To have this organization available is a Godsend!”

“Winners Foundation is committed to helping the California Horse racing community deal with personal and mental health issues. Winners Foundation takes a professional, trustworthy, and caring approach to helping Racetrack employees of any level. From racetrack management to horse trainers, jockeys, or caretakers, Winners Foundation provides a confidential caring professional approach to counseling. Their approach integrates all aspects of health and wellness and they utilize a variety of advanced services to ensure treatment is tailored to the person’s individual needs. Their compassion and teamwork as a treatment team ensure patients can feel safe and ready to engage in healing. In my position, I have witnessed Darin Scharer repeatedly. They go the extra mile to help racetrack personal and their family members. They have generous and kindhearted counselors that are there for anyone who needs help with a crisis in their lives. Life can be stressful; the horse racing industry is a competitive stressful environment. I am thankful and appreciative of the fine work Winner Foundation provides California Racetrack employees.”

“I would like you to know what Winners Foundation did for me. Last summer I had a health scare. I was losing a lot of weight and some friends got very concerned. I did not know that I was malnourished and it kept influencing my decisions, not in a good way. My friends got me in touch with Darin and he realized what was happening and immediately got me into a hospital. Darin and my friends helped with insurance and paperwork where Doctors told me I would not have survived another 10 days. After a week in the hospital, Winners got me aftercare which taught me what to do to regain my health. Within weeks I was able to return to work with knowledge of what to do to prevent this from happening again. Winners Foundation saved my life, I feel better than I have in years, and for that, I am so grateful!!!”

“I know this is so overused, but Winners Foundation literally saved my life. Without the programs and services that Winners Foundation provided, there is no way I would have the life I have now. From sleeping on park benches to now owning my own home, and having steady employment, Winners helped me put my life back together. I feel happier, healthier and appreciative for each day.”

“There is little room error on the track and in the barns when dealing with the power of a race horse. We need everyone sharp-eyed and clear-headed when handling these beautiful horses. In this industry, we take care of our own. Good talent is hard to come by. Winners Foundation has counseled several of our employees back to a sense of fulfillment, peace of mind and a productive life. We want to continue this legacy of taking care of our horses and our workers. Winners Foundation helps us get there. “