Above: Our teens enjoy a Long Island Ducks baseball game thanks to the NY Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association and Kids in Seats |
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CONGRATULATIONS TO NICK CARAS |
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We are proud of NY Chaplaincy Program Director Nick Caras who was recently honored with a prestigious Godolphin Thoroughbred Industry Employee Award. The
Dr. J. David “Doc” Richardson Community Award goes to someone who "has demonstrated an outstanding contribution to the Thoroughbred industry and, in particular, to the greater good of the sport." With a lifetime of dedication to every aspect of the sport and service to countless individuals, Nick certainly fulfills this description. During the ceremony Nick pointed out the difference that even a small gesture can make in the day and the life of someone who toils in anonymity, which is something we strive to remember everyday. Congratulations, Nick!
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Our families enjoyed a beautiful outdoor Fall day recently and were entertained with songs, games, dancing and a message by Metro Kids, a petting zoo courtesy of the Bruce Brown Barn, balloon animals by Bring in the Clowns, as well as food and drinks. The entire day was sponsored by the NY Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association. Thank you to our volunteers from the Key Club at Elmont Memorial High School who were a big help and great ambassadors for their school. |
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Our teen mentoring groups have been enjoying an array of activities. Whether recreational, cultural, educational, or just plain fun, the outings serve a purpose as we mold the next generation. Thank you to everyone who supports our teen mentoring groups. From the top, the teens and their mentors at the Stewart Manor Country Club, zip-lining, and attending a Nets game. |
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Wow, this group which started as a few women huddled by the fax machine in our trailer has now grown so much that our General Manager Karen Chavez needed to find space in a neighboring church so the group could continue to grow while we wait for the construction of our new building.
All of our Women's Programs continue to flourish, demonstrating both the need for the groups and the effectiveness of our programming.
Supported originally by a five year grant from the NY Women's Foundation, this program is currently in need of sponsors. You may contact Karen Chavez for more information or CLICK HERE to support. |
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We were delighted to be able to host our annual Breast Cancer Awareness event in person this year after last year's virtual event. This important evening featured informative speakers, entertainment, raffle prizes, food, and a free brand new winter coat for each woman attending. The event reflected months of preparation and teamwork.
The beautiful coats were donated by The Ridgewood Kiwanis 1-2-3 Club as well as Colleen and Joe DeGaetano. Joe is the President /Owner of Santa Fe Apparel and has been generously donating coats for many years. Thank you to Vilma Kaplan of Fidelis Care (health insurance), Angelique Kinley of NY Project Hope (Counseling Center) BEST Health Clinic (Backstretch), Giovanni Giampietro - Northwell Outreach Services Coordinator and Maurer Foundation (presentation).
Thank you to Northwell for the mammography van which will be on the backstretch for appointments in December.
Thank you for helping us to keep our backstretch families healthy and well-informed about their medical decisions.
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We are in need of new or gently used luggage to distribute to those traveling back and forth to their home countries, who often do not own suitcases. Kindly contact Karen Chavez if you would like to donate luggage or have any questions. |
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It's almost time for our distribution where we provide hundreds of families at Belmont Park, Aqueduct Racetrack, and Saratoga Race Corse with all of the fixings for a complete Thanksgiving dinner as well as groceries..
There is still time to support this program by clicking on THIS LINK
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The NY Race Track Chaplaincy is once again offering the opportunity to our supporters to participate in our Sponsor-A-Family Program. Our Program provides food and gifts to the neediest of our backstretch families during the Christmas season. Sponsors provide brand new winter clothing for the children, a new toy for each child, and a grocery store gift card for the family's Christmas dinner (additional gifts are welcome, such as clothing for the parents). You may CLICK HERE for information on sponsoring a family or donating toward this program.
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What a joy to see David Donk and his wife Fay profiled in this month's edition of New York Breeder. The Donks have been long-time supporters of virtually all of the programs of the NY Chaplaincy and we are so grateful for their friendship and partnership. You may read the article, which starts on page 26, by clicking on the picture above. Thank you, Fay & David, for your friendship, your guidance, and your generous support of the backstretch community. |
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Upcoming Dates:
Thanksgiving:
Packing of bags: Saturday, November 20th 10 AM Clubhouse
Distribution of bags: Monday, November 22nd 10 AM Clubhouse
Christmas:
Family Christmas Carnival Tuesday, December 14th 6 PM Clubhouse
Sponsor a Family Christmas Party Monday, December 20th 6 PM Clubhouse
Sponsor a Family Saratoga Christmas Party December 7th 5:30 PM Longfellows Restaurant
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