Monday, July 30, 2012
Contact: Dan Silver
Mark Bardack or Caitlin Merrill
mbardack@edlewi.com or cmerrill@edlewi.com
SARATOGA RACE COURSE CELEBRATES FABULOUS FILLIES DAY WITH LUNCHEON HONORING WOMEN IN THOROUGHBRED RACING
Special event to shine spotlight on women’s role in thoroughbred racing while raising funds for breast cancer research
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will celebrate women and their contributions to the thoroughbred industry with a special day appropriately titled “Fabulous Fillies Day” on Friday, August 17 at Saratoga Race Course.
All fans who wear pink will receive free admission to Saratoga Race Course.
The day will feature a number of special events and activities designed to honor the extraordinary women of the thoroughbred industry while raising funds to support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). The centerpiece of the day-long affair will be the Sizzling Hot Pink Saratoga Hat Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. in the At the Rail Pavilion.
“Women are a central part of the summer racing season at Saratoga Race Course. We invite ladies to join us for a stylish and fun luncheon at the track in honor of Fabulous Fillies Day,” said NYRA Director of Community Relations Joanne K. Adams. “We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of Virginia Kraft Payson, honoree of Fabulous Fillies Day, while raising awareness and funds for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.”
This year’s luncheon is in memory of BCRF Founder and Chairman Evelyn H. Lauder. Since founding BCRF in 1993, Lauder spearheaded the organization’s efforts to raise more than $325 million to support breast cancer research.
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit organization committed to funding scientific research to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer. In October 2011, BCRF awarded $36.5 million to 187 scientists across the globe. With over 90 cents of every dollar donated currently being directed to breast cancer research and awareness programs, BCRF is one of the most fiscally responsible charities in the country and holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.
Additional honorary co-chairs of the event include: Theresa Behrendt, Julie Bonacio, Jane Golub, Jaynne Carr Keyes, Maureen Lewi, Suzie O’Cain, Michele Riggi, Patty Riggi and Margie Rotchford.
The luncheon will feature guest speaker J. Dirk Iglehart, MD, Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, leading the discussion: Breast Cancer: How We Are Winning the Race. Dr. Iglehart’s research grant is funded by The Golub Foundation.
The luncheon will honor thoroughbred owner and breeder Virginia Kraft Payson, also a pioneer woman sports journalist and author, and an avid sports enthusiast.
The event will be emceed by Jeannine Edwards from ESPN.
During the luncheon, representatives from the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA) and NYRA will present BCRF with a combined donation of $10,000 to support the organization’s efforts to find a cure for breast cancer by funding clinical and translational research worldwide.
Event guests will have the opportunity to shop at the Fabulous Fillies boutique featuring Encounter, Nina McClemore, Northeastern Fine Jewelry, Rulu New York and the Pink Paddock.
A silent and live auction will feature fabulous prizes, including the opportunity to own a piece of a thoroughbred, courtesy of West Point Thoroughbreds. ZED will offer complimentary sparkling wine. Farrier Wine Company and Foley Family Wine are donating all wine for the event.
Donations to BCRF will be accepted throughout the day at the community outreach booth in front of the Jockey Silks Room, where BCRF executives and volunteers will be available to discuss the organization’s mission, goals and services.
Co-chairs of the Sizzling Hot Pink Saratoga Hat Luncheon are Joanne K. Adams, Debbie Finley, Tanya Luzzi and Catalina Mueller.
General tickets are $150 per person. All proceeds from ticket sales benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Tickets may be purchased by contacting NYRA Director of Community Relations Joanne K. Adams by phone at 518-584-6200 or via email at jadams@nyrainc.com.
Fabulous Fillies Day will take place on the eve of the running of the Grade 1 Alabama Stakes, Saratoga’s signature stakes race for 3-year-old fillies.
For up-to-date information on Fabulous Fillies Day and other special events, please visit www.nyra.com/saratogaevents.
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