About the Haven The Haven became a 501(c)3 on March 8, 2006 (Our Mims' birthday). Since then, a number of famous and not-so-famous mares have found their way to the Haven. Once a lady comes to the Haven, she is there for the rest of her life. When that is over, she is buried in the Haven's cemetery (noted at the Bourbon County Historical Society). "Specializing in restoring health and spirit in aged mares" is the Haven's motto, and both Jeanne Mirabito, Farm Owner, and Cheryl Bellucci, Director of Fundraising, work very hard to make sure the ladies of the Haven are taken care of with the very best care every day.

Jeanne Mirabito introduces the Ladies of The Haven June 3, 2009

Jeanne Mirabito, Farm Owner Founder and President Jeanne Mirabito witnessed an Our Mims race on television while she was a teenager. She brashly pointed to the screen and announced to her family, "One day I will own that horse." Years later, finding a retired Mims abandoned in a cattle field, Jeanne rescued the mare and, with the help of a local equine rescue, brought Mims to her farm. With a deep affection and knowledge of horse care and nutrition, Jeanne brought Mims back to health. As chronicled in Barbara Livingston's More Old Friends, the Haven was started from Jeanne's promise to Our Mims that the elder mare would never be forgotten. Using Jeanne's extensive experience with older equines, Jeanne has created a place for Thoroughbred broodmares to come and remain until the end of their days. The ladies, as they are called, are tended to with love and devotion... and respect. Given appropriate and timely veterinary, farrier, and dental care, the mares thrive under Jeanne's touch. Fans are now able to see the ex-racers, the mothers, the grandmothers, and the great-grandmothers of their Thoroughbred favorites. Barbara Livingston appreciates the work of the Haven so much, she included an entire chapter about Jeanne and the ladies in her book, More Old Friends. Jeanne personally sees to the needs of the ladies. She has amassed a vast knowledge of elder equine care, including nutrition, joint, skin, and muscle care. Jeanne also provides tours of the farm on request, attends promotional events, and provides interviews on request.   Cheryl Bellucci, Director of Fundraising and Promotion Cheryl Bellucci lives in Xenia, Ohio, and is a computer programmer by trade. She met Jeanne and her husband, Pete, at an equine rescue function. Cheryl's husband, John, had been a fixture at Belmont Racetrack during the seventies and had followed Our Mims' career firsthand. Both were very pleased to hear that Mims had a fantastic, permanent home. When Cheryl asked Jeanne to autograph a card featuring Mims' photo on the front, Jeanne wrote, "Come visit." The couple did, many times, and John even completed a sculpture of Mims for Jeanne. During one visit, Jeanne told Cheryl of her dream of opening an equine haven for elderly Thoroughbred broodmares. When Mims died of colic, John and Cheryl were called to Kentucky to witness Mims' burial and to be able to pay their last respects. Mims was buried in Calumet's cemetery, and when Cheryl heard of Jeanne's concerns about being able to secure the proper stone for Our Mims in the equine cemetery, Cheryl stepped up and offered to chair the drive to secure the funds. Within a month, the money for Mims' stone was secured. Then Jeanne once again mentioned her idea of the Haven, this time to honor Mims' memory. Cheryl begged to be a part of it, offering to run eBay auctions, an online store, and other things to help fund Jeanne's effort... starting the partnership that is still responsible for running the Haven to this day.