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
