by john manzi or NAADA
Amateur racing seems to be
getting more prominent with each passing season. Not only do an overwhelming
amount of members own horses and employ professional trainers but, as a group,
they support various charitable and worthwhile organizations.
Each and every season the
North American Amateur Drivers Association (NAADA) donates to worthwhile
charities. And this year was no exception. The amateur driver’s organization
recently donated $5,000 to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).
According to Joe Faraldo,
president of the North American Amateur Drivers Association, members of his
organization over the years have donated over $85,000 to needy causes.
“The money,” he says, “is
raised from membership dues, starting fees and drivers' percentages and is used
for many worthwhile projects including donating to the Juvenile Diabetes
Research Foundation, Special Strides in NJ and the Sullivan County Veterans
Food Bank, to name just a few.”
Also deserving credit for
contributing to these worthwhile efforts is Yonkers Raceway’s GM Bob Galterio,
who serves as an official of the Westchester branch of the JDRF, along with
Yonkers simulcasting director, Rosa Ferriera, and mutuel manager, Ursala
McEntyre. Both ladies work to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research
Foundation, either by walking, running, or just plain old asking for donations
for much needed research,”
Faraldo and NAADA vice
president Alan Schwartz are the focal points for directing these funds and
later this week NAADA, along with the Catskill Amateur Drivers Club, will
donate $2000 to the Sullivan County Veterans Food Bank after a race at
Monticello Raceway comprised of US veterans who are also amateur reinsmen.
