Sunday, December 19, 2010

NYRA Supports the Manhasset Bayview Civic Association


On December 18th, the Manhasset Bayview Civic Association held its 16th Annual Children's Holiday Show and Food Drive to benefit Island Harvest. NYRA was proud to sponsor this event by providing giveaways for the youth of the community who donated hours of community service to this worthwhile cause. The 2010 NYRA cap was a big hit as showcased by the Manhasset Girls softball players!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

NYRA Supports Annual Holiday Dinner for the Backstretch



The Race Track Chaplaincy of New York hosted their annual holiday dinner at Aqueduct Race Track on December 13th. NYRA and NYTHA supported the event with their individual sponsorships of $2500 toward the evening's dinner, carnival and gift giving ceremony.
Happy Holidays!

Monday, December 6, 2010

NYRA Hosts Toys for Tots Campaign at Aqueduct Race Track




NYRA President and CEO, Charles Hayward, was proud to welcome back Major Chuck Kilbride and the U.S. Marine Corps as they returned to Aqueduct Race Track for the Annual Toys for Tots Campaign on December 4th and 5th. Mr. Hayward was named the 2010 Honorary Vice Chairman of the campaign and he welcomed Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano, 2010 Chairman of the Toys for Tots campaign.


Mr. Hayward announced that NYRA would match ALL financial donations made by our owners and trainers to the Toys for Tots drive throughout the weekend. In the same spirit of giving, Richard Violette, President of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, announced that NYTHA would contribute $5000.


With New York's trainer, Gary Contessa, donating 10% of whatever purse money his horses earn, as well as owner Harold Lerner's contribution of $7500, we began the weekend with $20,000 for the Toys for Tots program which collects and distributes new, unwrapped toys to children in need during the holiday season.


"Collecting for Toys for Tots has long been a holiday tradition at Aqudeuct and we believe the Foundation's work is especially important during these uncertain economic times," said Mr. Hayward. He also expressed his appreciation to all of NYRA's fans who donate toys and make personal contributions to the U.S. Marine Corps for the Toys for Tots Foundation.

Friday, December 3, 2010

NYRA President and CEO, Charles E. Hayward, Honored by the Village of Floral Park

NYRA President and CEO, Charles E. Hayward, was honored by the Village of Floral Park at their Annual Holiday Recognition Dinner on December 2nd. Mr. Hayward was presented with a citation from the Village for NYRA's generosity, hospitality, community relations and community outreach.
In addition, Mr. Hayward was presented with a plaque from the Floral Park Art League in recognition of his outstanding contributions and support.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

NYRA, NYTHA and BST Contribute Funds for a Happy Thanksgiving for the Backstretch


The New York Racing Association, Inc. ("NYRA") and the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association ("NYTHA") each contributed funds to the Race Track Chaplaincy of New York for their Thanksgiving Boxes of LOVE program. Boxes filled with turkeys and all of the trimmings were distributed at Gate 6 at Belmont Park on November 23rd.

In addition, for the fourth year, the Albany-based firm of Bollam, Sheedy, Torani & Co. ("BST") underwrote the traditional Thankgiving meal for the grooms, hotwalkers and exercise riders who work at Aqueduct and Belmont Park. Meals were coordinated under the supervision of Dennis Zoitos in the cafeterias at both tracks on November 24th.

We all give thanks to them for all that they do for our industry!