TurfPublicists: AQUEDUCT’S SPIRIT OF GIVING WEEKEND SET FOR DECEMBER 8-9

Friday, November 30, 2012

Contact: Ashley Herriman

AQUEDUCT'S SPIRIT OF GIVING WEEKEND SET FOR DECEMBER 8-9

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will host its annual Spirit of Giving weekend at Aqueduct Racetrack on Saturday, December 8 and Sunday, December 9 featuring the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign and Stocking Stuffer promotion.

A holiday tradition at Aqueduct, the Toys for Tots Foundation will collect new, unwrapped toys, cash contributions, and checks made payable to Toys for Tots, with donation boxes located at the main Clubhouse entrance and the Turf and Field Entrance. Toys will be distributed to children in need during the holiday season.

December 8 and 9 also marks the annual Stocking Stuffer promotion. NYRA will sell a variety of popular past giveaway items for $1 each, with all proceeds to be donated to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.

Sale items will include 2012 Saratoga picnic mats and pilsner glasses, stadium seat covers, a variety of t-shirts, and many more.

The stocking stuffer promotion will take place on the first floor of the Aqueduct Clubhouse and items will be sold up to 10 minutes before post time of the day's eighth race on both Saturday and Sunday.

About the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not-for-profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. Now in its 65th year, Toys for Tots provides joy and a message of hope to less fortunate children through the gift of a new toy or book during the Christmas holiday season. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.

About The New York Racing Association, Inc.

Founded in 1955, and franchised to run thoroughbred racing at New York's three major tracks (Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park, and Saratoga Race Course) through 2033, NYRA boasts a lineage that actually stretches back almost 150 years. NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of the state's thoroughbred business which contributes more than $2 billion annually to New York State's urban, suburban and rural economy. In 2011, more than 1.8 million people attended the live races at NYRA tracks. Factoring in nationwide off-track wagering, the average daily betting handle on NYRA races totals more than $8.1 million. NYRA has a vast network of websites, including www.nyra.com, www.belmontstakes.com, and www.nyragroupsales.com. You can also follow NYRA on social media platforms Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, and YouTube.

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