NY Race Track Chaplaincy
January, 2020
|
|
Shown above: 2019 Brunch Honorees Debbie & Terry Finley with Karen Chavez and Ramón Dominguez
|
|
TERRY FINLEY AND RAMÓN DOMINGUEZ TO SERVE IN NEW ROLES
|
|
The New York Race Track Chaplaincy of America is delighted to announce that Terry Finley of West Point Thoroughbreds has been named chairman and retired Hall of Fame jockey Ramón Dominguez has been named president of our organization.
Terry Finley has been an active supporter of the NY Chaplaincy for several years and he and his wife Debbie were honored for their continued devotion to the backstretch community and the chaplaincy in particular at its annual fund-raising brunch in Saratoga Springs, NY last August.
Ramón Dominguez has served on the Chaplaincy’s board of directors since 2012.
“Terry and Ramón both maintain a deep appreciation for the importance of our work,” said Chaplain Humberto Chavez. “They are universally respected and we are thrilled to have them at the helm as we continue to pursue activities and programs designed to improve the quality of life for our backstretch community.”
Terry and his wife founded
West Point Thoroughbreds
in 1991 and have built the company from an operation with one claiming horse into one of the largest Thoroughbred horse racing partnership companies in the world.
Ramón won nearly 5,000 races and three Eclipse Awards as the nation’s leading rider before announcing his retirement in June 2013 due to a head injury suffered in a spill at Aqueduct Race Track five months earlier. In addition to his frequent involvement with the programs of the NY Chaplaincy, he has spent the last 10 years developing the new 360 Gentle Touch (360 GT) cushioned riding crop.
|
THOROUGHBRED CHARITIES OF AMERICA AWARD
|
The NY Race Track Chaplaincy could not accomplish its mission without the generous and loyal support of our valued partner, Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA). We are delighted and honored to be this year's recipients of TCA's
Ellen and Herb Moelis Industry Service Award, which is presented annually to an organization that works to uphold TCA's mission.
Shown above, NYRTCA President Ramón Dominguez, and Chaplain Humberto Chavez receive the award from TCA Executive Director Erin Crady and President
Michael McMahon at the ceremony in Lexington, KY. Thank you, TCA! We are grateful for your partnership.
|
|
A New Year brings new ideas! On Tuesday, January 28th in the Belmont Café, the NY Chaplaincy hosted its first free pancake breakfast for the backstretch community. The Café was brightly decorated and all who participated enjoyed a delicious, post-training complete pancake breakfast. Thank you to NYTHA and NYRA for making this possible and to Chef Jimmy Christmas and all of our loyal volunteers for making this such a special event!
|
Approximately 25 of our teens celebrated a day off from school by gathering in the Belmont Clubhouse for an afternoon of watching a movie, having a snack, and listening to a message from Programs Director Nick Caras. Your support means we can host events such as these to provide fun activities for our youth and keep them on the right track.
|
AND IN HIS SPARE TIME....
|
Our Programs Director Nick Caras, does not limit his good works to the backstretch of the NYRA tracks. Nick volunteers his time in many capacities off the track, including as the long-time coach of the New Hyde Park Memorial JV Basketball team. In the words of the school's athletic director, who posted the picture above:
"The man, the myth, the legend: Coach Nick Caras still coaching and leading our JH boys by being a good example."
|
LADIES NIGHT AT THE TRACK
|
On a recent Tuesday evening, a group of ladies enjoyed an evening of raffles, games, and conversation at the Belmont Rec Hall. The ladies had a wonderful time and were grateful for an evening off from their usual responsibilities.
|
Are you cleaning up after Christmas and searching for a home for your extra gifts?
Here is an opportunity to turn those gifts into a real blessing for those served by the NY Race Track Chaplaincy.
In preparation for a celebration of
National Women's Day on March 9th,
we are holding a regifting drive from now until February 28th.
All items collected will be displayed in a special shop that will be set up so that the women of the backstretch community may choose gifts for themselves and their loved ones. This will be part of a larger celebration involving inspirational speakers and a delicious meal, as we continue in our God-given mission of lifting up, educating, and empowering those who make racing possible behind the scenes.
Any new items at all, including clothing, jewelry, or household items, for men, women, or children of any age are welcome and will be appreciated.
Gifts may be dropped off at
NY Race Track Chaplaincy Office
Gate 6, Belmont Park
between the hours of
8:30 AM - 4 PM
Monday - Friday
8:30 AM - 1 PM
Saturday
or shipped to:
NY Race Track Chaplaincy
PO Box 37191
Elmont, NY 11003
Please label donations: "Regifting Drive"
Any questions, please write to:
or call
516-216-5196
THANK YOU!
|
The NY Chaplaincy holds a chapel service for the members of the backstretch community every Monday at Belmont Park. This service is an important opportunity for those who live on the track to meet, worship, and learn. Following the service a meal is served to those in attendance.
Are you interested in a volunteer opportunity with the NY Chaplaincy? We are in need of people to cook, serve the food, and/or sponsor the meals. Kindly send us an
email for further information. We look forward to hearing from you! THANK YOU to the the members of Christ Church, who not only bring a delicious meal once a month but also lead the service.
|
We hope to be sharing exciting news very soon regarding the status of construction of the NY Race Track Chaplaincy Center & Chapel. Please visit our
website
or write to us at
info@rtcany.org
for information about joining us as a founding member!
|
|
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Tuesday, Feb. 4th: 6 PM Belmont Cafė
Winter Carnival
Tuesday, Feb 11th: 6 PM Belmont Cafė
Valentine's Celebration
Monday, March 2nd: 11 AM Belmont Cafė
Free Pancake Breakfast
Tuesday, April 14th: 5 PM Belmont Café
Easter Celebration
ONGOING EVENTS:
The NY Chaplaincy organizes the following events and services, held weekly, for the benefit of the backstretch community. These events are very important, particularly to those who live on the track, in order to provide healthy and safe activities during the sometimes lonely downtime. Our Food Pantry and Closet of Hope make a huge difference to all individuals and families of the backstretch community. Thank you to our individual donors, and our sponsors
NYTHA
&
NYRA
for making these weekly gatherings and services possible.
MONDAYS
: 6 PM Chapel Service, followed by dinner:
Belmont Rec Hall &
Saratoga Rec Hall
MONDAYS:
6 PM Bingo Aqueduct
TUESDAYS
: 6 PM Pool Tournament with prizes and a prayer service led by Christ Tabernacle Church Glendale:
Belmont Rec Hall
WEDNESDAYS
6 PM Bingo Games and Prizes.
Belmont Rec Hall
THURSDAYS
11 AM Food Pantry:
Chaplaincy office
THURSDAYS
4 PM Food Distribution to the Dormitories at Aqueduct Race Track; 6 PM Free Pizza Night
FRIDAYS
11 AM Closet of Hope Flea Market:
Chaplaincy Office
SECOND SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH
: 6 PM Craft Night
Anna House
SUNDAYS 6 PM
Movie Night with snacks:
Belmont Rec Hall
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
