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Wednesday, October 28, 2015

“RACING FOR A CURE” RAISES NEARLY $19,000 FOR BREAST CANCER RESEARCH


BY FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway

YONKERS, NY, Wednesday, October 28, 2015—This past weekend, Yonkers Raceway’s horsemen, as well  as others from the harness racing community, went ”Racing for a Cure”…and everybody won.

The initiative, led by trainer Monica Banca and Kristen (Mrs. Jason) Bartlett, raised nearly $19,000 ($18,910, to be precise) for October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  That figured included a $3,000 donation made by the North American Amateur Drivers Association.

Last Saturday evening (Oct. 24th), ”Racing for a Cure” found any number of Yonkers’ trainers and drivers—along with other prominent members and businesses involved in the harness industry—joining forces, with all funds raised benefitting the Frisco, TX, based National Breast Cancer Foundation (www.nbcf.org). 

To the surprise of no one, paddock participation was solid. Raffle tickets were been sold for the past month, with the big number—a pink Gorilla sulky donated by Chad Foulk—won by Maine-based trainer Lisa Watson. Second- and third-prize winners (Jennifer Sabot and Shane Taggart) each took home (or to the barn) a complete Walsh harness set, donated by Barbara Boese.

All winning horses that night earned spiffy pink blankets, underwritten by any number of benefactors, while the pink whips carried by the drivers last Saturday were donated by Karin Karlsson of Divine Equine.

“Monica and I are so appreciative of all the support,” Kristen Bartlett said. “We even received donations from Canada. It’s such a worthwhile cause, and we’re happy to do anything we can do to help.”

Those requesting additional information are encouraged to e-mail either Ms. Banca (dokka1909@yahoo.com) or Mrs. Bartlett (kmb1104@hotmail.com).


About NBCF… The National Breast Cancer Foundation was founded in 1991 by breast cancer survivor Janelle Hail as a commitment to help women around the world by educating them about breast cancer and the importance of early detection. NBCF’s home on the web is located at www.nbcf.org