Monday, August 30, 2010
Contact: Dan Silver
Mark Bardack or Caitlin Merrill
mbardack@edlewi.com or cmerrill@edlewi.com
SARATOGA RACE COURSE HONORS ARMED FORCES WITH VETERANS DAY
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Saratoga Race Course will pay tribute to the nation’s active duty armed forces and veterans on Thursday, September 2.
Presented by the New York Racing Association Inc. (NYRA), the day will feature free grandstand admission for all United States active duty military and veterans with military ID, courtesy of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors.
Saratoga Race Course will also salute NYRA employees who are on active duty or who have served in the United States military with a special ceremony following the National Anthem. The NYRA-employed veterans will gather in the Winner’s Circle to be recognized for their service.
“We are truly honored to host active duty military personnel and veterans who serve our country so selflessly,” said NYRA President and CEO Charlie Hayward. “We hope that racing fans will join us as we show our sincere appreciation for the dedication and sacrifice put forth by our courageous service members and their families on this special day at Saratoga.”
Dave Cummings of the Hoops for Heroes campaign will make a stop at the Spa as he continues his trek towards sinking one million foul shots to support the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. Cummings, who began the initiative on Veterans Day in 2009, will attempt as many as 1,500 shots at Saratoga in order to keep pace with his goal of reaching the half-million mark by Veterans Day 2010. Cummings will be joined in his quest by several members of the NYRA jockey colony near the Jockey Silks room. Donations will be collected to support the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund for wounded veterans and their families.
Saratoga County veterans will be highlighted during a book signing by Saratogian reporter and local author Paul Post, whose award-winning reports of soldiers who hail from Saratoga County are compiled in “Soldiers of Saratoga County, from Concord to Kabul.” Post will hold a book signing to support the new release at the Jockey Silks room from 1 to 3 p.m.
The Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency will be on track to provide veterans with information counseling services, benefits, advocacy, and tips on transitioning from military to civilian life.
Additionally, Operation Adopt a Soldier will collect donations to support active duty military, veterans and their families. Patrons are encouraged to donate items that will be sent in care packages to American service members serving abroad. Basic toiletries, canned food items, handheld electronic devices and dozens of other staple items are requested. Operation Adopt a Soldier will be on track at the Jockey Silks room throughout the day. For a complete inventory of suggested items, please visit www.operationadoptasoldier.org.
For up-to-date information on Saratoga Race Course’s Veterans Day and other special events, please visit www.nyra.com/saratogaevents.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Mark Bardack or Caitlin Merrill
Ed Lewi Associates • 6 Chelsea Place • Clifton Park, NY 12065
ELA Main Office: (518) 383-6183 • FAX (518) 383-6755 (Mon. – Fri., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Saratoga Race Course Office: (518) 584-6200, x 4233, or 4739 (Wed. – Mon., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Weekend Numbers: M. Bardack Cell (518) 867-7943, or C. Merrill Cell (518) 867-2440
