NYRA, NYTHA and BST Contribute Funds for Thanksgiving

The New York Racing Association, Inc. ("NYRA") and The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association ("NYTHA") have each contributed funds to the Race Track Chaplaincy of New York for their Thanksgiving Boxes of Love Program. Volunteers will fill boxes with turkeys and trimmings for 200 backstretch families who live in the local community near Belmont Park. The boxes will be distributed at Belmont Park, Gate 6, on November 23rd.
In addition, the firm of Bollam, Sheedy, Torani & Co. ("BST") will once again underwrite a special Thanksgiving meal on November 24th for the grooms, hotwalkers, and exercise riders who work at Aqueduct and Belmont Park. This will mark the third year that the Albany-based firm has sponsored the feast for the Backstretch Employees Service Team ("B.E.S.T.") Meals will be coordinated under the supervision of Dennis Zoitos who runs the concesssions on the backstretch for NYRA. The meals will be served in the cafeterias at both racetracks.

Belmont Child Care Association to host Annual Anna House Holiday Shopping Event

The Belmont Child Care Association ("BCCA") will host the Annual Anna House Holiday Event on December 12th. You can help make the holidays special for over 400 children of the backstretch workers by donating a gift or volunteering your time. Children select presents for their family members and one for themselves. You may contact BCCA at Belmont Park-Gate 6, 2150 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont, NY 11003 or e-mail belmontchildcare@aol.com or call (516) 488-2103.

Spirit of Giving Weekend Planned at Aqueduct Race Track

Aqueduct will host the Spirit of Giving Weekend on December 5th and 6th. Jamaica Hospital Medical Center will be the beneficiary of NYRA's Annual Stocking Stuffer Giveaway! Major Chuck Kilbride and the U.S. Marines will join us on both days for the Annual Toys for Tots Campaign. All cash contributions will be collected by the U.S. Marines and checks may be made payable to Toys for Tots. In addition, this year NYRA is proud to support the St. Mary's Healthcare System for Children's Home for the Holidays Food Drive. Non-perishable packaged food is requested. St. Mary's cares for over 4000 children and their families. Collection boxes for Toys for Tots and St. Mary's will be located at the main Clubhouse entrance as well as the Turf and Field entrance. You may contact me for additional information.

Calling all Turkeys to Belmont Park-Gate 6 for the Race Track Chaplaincy of New York Annual Thanksgiving Outreach

The Race Track Chaplaincy of New York will host the Annual Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway on November 23rd from 10am-1pm and they will serve Thanksgiving lunch to all the backstretch families on November 24th from 10am-1pm in the Belmont and Aqueduct backstretch kitchens. You can make a contribution or volunteer to help by contacting them at: 2150 Hempstead Tpke, Gate 6-Belmont Park, Elmont, NY 11030 or www.rtcany.org

or call (516) 488-6000 (x4063.)

NYRA Rewards Members Enjoy Breeders' Cup Party and Exciting Live Racing at Aqueduct

NYRA Rewards players enjoyed an exciting afternoon at Aqueduct Race Track. Those members who attended the Breeders' Cup party, dined on sumptuous food in the beautifully decorated Manhattan Terrace. They enjoyed beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline, cigar rolling and simulcast of the Breeders' Cup races. The live races at the Big A showcased three stakes races for two and three year olds: The Nashua, The Red Smith and The Tempted.

NYRA Rewards offers opportunites to earn cash rewards just by wagering on NYRA or simulcast races. You can sign-up for an account at http://www.nyra.com.