Saturday, September 17, 2011

Garden City Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hosts Day at the Races at Belmont Park

The Garden City Chamber of Commerce Foundation hosted a successful Day at the Races at Belmont Park on September 17th. The mission of the Foundation is to award an annual scholarship to a high school student and to assist families in need within the community. The Foundation serves as the fundraising arm of the Garden City Chamber of Commerce and they raised significant funds thanks to NYRA's support. The highlight of the day was the running of the Grade 1, Garden City Stakes! Mayor Brudie of the Village of Garden City presented the trophy. For additional information and photos, please go to www.gardencitychamber.org.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

TRAVERS CELEBRATION RAISES MORE THAN $100,000 FOR BACKSTRETCH EMPLOYEE SERVICE TEAM AND TIMES UNION HOPE FUND

The co-chairs for the 11th annual Travers Celebration today announced that this year’s event raised $105,000 for its two beneficiaries: the Backstretch Employee Service Team (B.E.S.T.) and the Times Union Hope Fund.

The $105,000 donation marks a record-breaking fundraising total for the annual event, which celebrates the arrival of the Grade 1, $1 million Travers Stakes.

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) President and CEO Charles Hayward and 2011 Travers Celebration co-chairs George R. Hearst III and Betsy Senior today joined representatives from B.E.S.T. and the Times Union Hope Fund to present the donation in the winner’s circle at Saratoga Race Course.

“The 11th annual Travers Celebration not only highlighted the crowned jewel of the summer racing season, but also raised significant contributions for two vitally important organizations within our community,” said Hayward. “We are thrilled to announce this donation to B.E.S.T. and the Times Union Hope Fund as we come upon the conclusion of another tremendous meet at Saratoga Race Course.”

Sponsored by Macy*s and Northeastern Fine Jewelry, more than 350 individuals attended the Travers Celebration, which was held on August 25 at Saratoga Race Course. The annual event featured live music, dancing, and a silent and live auction, with all proceeds benefitting B.E.S.T. and the Times Union Hope Fund.

Throughout the summer, a portion of proceeds from all merchandise sold at the five NYRA Stores at Saratoga Race Course also benefited the Travers Celebration and its charitable partners. Additionally, a portion of proceeds from all Coca-Cola sales on track was earmarked for both charities.

The 2011 Travers Celebration was co-chaired by Betsy Senior, co-owner of Senior & Shopmaker Gallery in Manhattan; and George R. Hearst III, Publisher and CEO of the Times Union.

The Backstretch Employee Service Team is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing care and service to maintain the health and well-being of employees in the backstretch.

The Times Union Hope Fund, a component fund of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, raises money and awards grants to after school and summer programs serving at risk children in Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer and Saratoga counties.

The Travers Celebration has raised more than $1.1 million for non-profit organizations in the thoroughbred industry and greater Capital Region since its inception over a decade ago.


NYRA Donates to the American Red Cross Relief Effort Post Hurricane Irene

On Septemeber 1st, NYRA President and CEO, Charles Hayward, announced that NYRA would contribute $5000 to the relief efforts post Hurricane Irene during a local news broadcast at Saratoga Race Course. NYRA thanks its fans for their support as well!