News
August 25, 2015Saratoga Race Course to Host Canned Food Drive to Benefit Saratoga County EOC
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will host a food drive to benefit the Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council (EOC) on Friday, August 28 at Saratoga Race Course.
Fans are invited to donate a canned or non-perishable food item to the Saratoga County EOC at the Community Outreach Booth, located outside the Jockey Silks Room and across from the new Saratoga Walk of Fame. Suggested donation items include shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, pasta, peanut butter, cereal, rice, soup and canned vegetables.
Guests who donate three canned or non-perishable items will receive a free commemorative poster of 2003 Eclipse Award 3-year-old male champion Funny Cide, who was the first New York-bred to win the Kentucky Derby. Funny Cide went on to capture the second leg of the Triple Crown in 2003 and the 2004 Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park.
The Saratoga County EOC food drive coincides with New York Showcase Day at Saratoga Race Course. The popular state-bred card will include six stakes, including the eponymously named $200,000 Funny Cide for 2-year-olds at 6 ½ furlongs.
“It means a great deal to us at the Saratoga County EOC to receive the opportunity from the New York Racing Association to share our mission with the thousands of fans who visit Saratoga Race Course. Saratoga is a special place and to be able to host a food drive here on the day before the Travers is tremendous” said Saratoga County EOC Community Services Program Director Lillian McCarthy. “I would also like to thank Sackatoga Stable for providing the EOC with this terrific keepsake of Funny Cide to offer to those who support our mission. The Community Outreach Booth is the ideal vehicle to get our message out to the public and we look forward to giving track visitors a chance to give back to those in need in our surrounding communities.”
Friday will also feature the induction of prominent owners Ogden Mills “Dinny” Phipps of Phipps Stable and Marylou Whitney of Marylou Whitney Stables into the Saratoga Race Course Walk of Fame. The honorees will unveil their plaques during the New York Racing Association’s annual Red Jacket Ceremony, scheduled for 12:15 p.m. in the winner’s circle.
The Saratoga County EOC is a non-profit organization committed to being a leader in advocating for opportunities and developing solutions to promote healthy, thriving families and caring community partners. The organization has served as the community action agency in Saratoga County for over 42 years and has developed many initiatives, including the Community Lunch Program, Latino Community Advocacy Program, and a food pantry, amongst other programs.
The Community Outreach Booth is designed to provide local non-profit organizations with the chance to generate exposure about their efforts while also providing track visitors with a chance to contribute to meaningful causes.
For each day of the 2015 season, a local not-for-profit organization will have the opportunity to utilize the Community Outreach Booth to interact with the thousands of guests who visit Saratoga Race Course, share information about its mission and host various fundraising initiatives.
The 2015 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 7. For more information about Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com or call 518.584.6200.
