The New York Racing Association, Inc.’s annual “Spirit of Giving” weekend is scheduled for Dec. 4-5 at Aqueduct Racetrack, featuring the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign and the “Stocking Stuffer” promotion.
The U.S. Marines Toys for Tots Foundation will be collecting new, unwrapped toys, cash contributions, and checks, with collection boxes located at the main clubhouse entrance and the turf and field entrance.
Trainer Gary Contessa has pledged to donate 10% of whatever purse money his horses earn Dec. 4-5, owner Harold Lerner is contributing $7,500, and the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association will be donating $5,000.
With NYRA pledging to match financial donations made by individual horsemen during weekend, at least $15,000 will be going to the Toys for Tots program, which collects and distributes new, unwrapped toys to children in need during the holiday season.
During the “Stocking Stuffer” promotion. NYRA will sell a variety of giveaway items for $1 each, with all proceeds to be donated to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. Sale items will include Saratoga umbrellas, seat cushions, cooler bags, baseball caps, mugs, t-shirts, and Belmont Stakes (gr. I) commemorative glasses.
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 final race on Dec. 4-