NY RACE TRACK CHAPLAINCY
FEBRUARY 2021
|
|
To our friends:
A hint of Spring is in the air at Belmont Park, and of course each Spring brings renewed hope for a new beginning in our lives, and in the world.
As we write today, we are delighted to report we currently have no active cases of Covid-19 on the backstretch. Protocols are being strictly adhered to and all of the racetrack associations are working as a team to keep our community as safe as possible.
We anxiously await a broadly distributed vaccine and are monitoring the ever-changing situation with the virus both in New York and around the world.
Our modified programs are continuing and our focus on our food pantry and PPP distribution remains strong due to high demand for these services.
In this season of Lent, we pray for miracles, but our planning is practical, detailed, and proactive, as we prepare for many possible outcomes to the short and long-term phases of the global pandemic and its impact on the Thoroughbred racing industry.
We thank you for your support, without which we would be unable to serve the backbone of our sport, the members of the backstretch community and their families.
Blessings,
|
|
Thank you, Shannon Kelly and The Jockey Club |
|
Above: NYRTCA Board Member John Young and General Manager Karen Chavez, along with our food pantry volunteers, present Shannon Kelly, Executive Director of The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation, with a plaque with our thanks for our partnership. The Jockey Club plays a critically important role in our programming and benevolence service, and Shannon herself is a regular volunteer at our food pantry events. Thank you Shannon and the Jockey Club! |
|
Regardless of the weather, our team is out in support of those who count on our food pantry as a critically important lifeline. Thank you to our volunteers and supporters for keeping our food pantry going! |
|
FOOD PANTRY EXCITING NEWS! |
|
We are delighted to announce that the NY Chaplaincy is the recipient of an equipment grant from our long-time partner, Long Island Cares.
Through this generous grant we will receive shelving, tables, carts, and, most importantly, a much-needed commercial size refrigerator for use in our food pantry. Stay tuned for news on the expansion of our food pantry in conjunction with the construction of the Chaplaincy Center building at Belmont Park. Thank you, Long Island Cares!
|
|
Every year the Backstretch Women enjoy a night out at a special restaurant with interactive group activities, entertainment and an inspirational guest speaker.
Unfortunately due to Covid-19 the annual event had to be redesigned to an online virtual Ladies Night.
More than 80 women registered and even some teens from the mentoring program joined in the fun. The event was very successful, and at the participants' request virtual small groups were formed to provide support and a sense of community for the women.
|
|
Our girls teen mentoring group had a fabulous time bowling, playing games, and catching up with their mentors recently. It was wonderful to be able to gather safely together and enjoy each other's company. Thank you to the NY Women's Foundation for making this possible! |
|
IN MEMORY OF ELMONT COMMUNITY LEADER PAUL SAPIENZA |
|
Long-time friend of the NY Chaplaincy and dedicated leader of the Elmont community Paul Sapienza, passed away recently.
To honor his memory, the NY Chaplaincy was delighted to present the newly formed Elmont Police Activity League with a donation in Paul's name. These funds will be used for the purpose of providing Elmont children, including those of backstretch families, with the opportunity to participate in the activities of the league. May Paul Sapienza rest in peace and may we all follow his example of devotion to his family and his community. Shown above, Chaplain Humberto and NYRTCA Program Director Nick Caras make the presentation in front of Sapienza's Bakery in Elmont.
|
|
Over 60 members of the backstretch community took part in a recent series of virtual seminars, conducted in partnership with People's United Bank. This educational program was very well received and provided those who participated with important information regarding becoming a first-time home buyer. |
|
CONGRATULATIONS, WILL PHIPPS! |
|
We are very proud of our NYRTCA Board Member Will Phipps, who was recently named the President of the Fair Hill Foundation. The foundation is a non-profit serving as a public-private partnership committed to preserving the historic legacy of Fair Hill, the Mid-Atlantic's world-class equestrian center. The very busy and dedicated Will Phipps oversees the day to day operations for our valued partner Brook Ledge Horse Transportation. Congrats, Will! Read the full story here. |
|
Our usual party was put on hold this year but that didn't stop Program Director Nick Caras from finding new ways to Share God's Love on the backstretch. From raffles to decorations to personally delivered bags of treats, the day was festive and enjoyed by all. |
|
Soup is a very popular item in our food pantry at this time of the year, as it is comforting when the weather turns cooler, and is easily prepared in the microwave for those who live on the track and do not have access to a stove.
Soup or any non-perishables may be dropped off at our trailer at Gate 6 at Belmont Park Monday-Friday between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M. or donations to the food pantry may be made via this LINK. Any questions please call the office at 516-216-5196.
Thank you!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
