Pictured Above: The Bruce Brown barn at Belmont Park, beautifully decorated as a part of the
Winter Decoration Contest organized by the NY Chaplaincy
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CHRISTMAS SPONSOR A FAMILY |
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Thanks to your incredible support, the NY Chaplaincy was able to sponsor all 164 families who requested support at Christmas this year. This is the first time we have been able to sponsor every family, and on behalf of all we serve, we extend our deepest thanks to everyone who donated, shopped, wrapped, and helped to distribute the gifts. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts! |
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Above: Our Belmont and Aqueduct families receiving their gifts. |
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In Saratoga, our dedicated volunteer Ava Brown baked and baked and baked. and the team gathered to decorate and provide a festive atmosphere for the families receiving gifts. |
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FAMILY CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL
SPONSORED BY MIKE REPOLE
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Each year the NY Chaplaincy is blessed to host a Christmas Family Carnival thanks to the generosity of our long-time partner and Thoroughbred owner Mike Repole. This year required some creativity in order to continue to bring the fun and celebration of the annual party to our families but we were delighted to be able to host the event outside of the Belmont Clubhouse on a beautiful wintry day. Our families enjoyed entertainment, gifts, food, and a break from their daily routines. Thank you, Mike, for all of your ongoing support! |
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CONGRATULATIONS, KAREN CHAVEZ, NYRTCA GENERAL MANAGER
WOMEN OF DISTINCTION AWARD RECIPIENT
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Thank you to the newly named NYS Assembly Deputy Majority Leader, Michaelle C. Solages, for recognizing our General Manager Karen Chavez with a Women of Distinction Award this month. The ceremony was unable to be held due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Mrs. Chavez was able to celebrate virtually with representatives from the backstretch community. Thank you, Assemblywoman Solages, for your ongoing partnership and for recognizing the importance of the contributions of the backstretch community and the work of the NY Chaplaincy. Please click the picture above to watch Karen's message. |
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To brighten spirits and enliven the decor of the track, the NY Chaplaincy organized a snow sculpture contest as well as a winter decorating contest. Above top, the Antonio Arriaga Racing stable crew showing off their decorating expertise, and above, the team from the Linda Rice barn with their great snowman creation. Thank you to NYTHA for providing the prizes and helping us to keep spirits up during the cold winter months! |
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Meanwhile, the NY Chaplaincy Team could be found all over the track busily decorating public spaces for all to enjoy. |
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THANKS FOR THE PIZZA, NYTHA! |
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Our Program Director Nick Caras, along with his team of volunteers, have been creating smiles as they deliver hot pizza to the backstretch, courtesy of our partner, the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association. Above, Gilbert, the security guard of the Rob Atras barn, inspects his delivery from Nick. |
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It's a delight to be able to provide a break from the daily grind and take some of the members of the backstretch and their families out for some rest and relaxation. Above, a recent trip to the mall, beautifully decorated for the holiday season. |
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THANK YOU, BURLINGTON COAT FACTORY |
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We extend our gratitude to Burlington Coat Factory for its donation of winter coats, which were much appreciated by those we serve at Belmont and Aqueduct. |
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Soup is a very popular item in our food pantry at this time of the year, as it is comforting when the weather turns cooler, and is easily prepared in the microwave for those who live on the track and do not have access to a stove.
Soup or any non-perishables may be dropped off at our trailer at Gate 6 at Belmont Park Monday -Friday between 10 - 4, or donations to the food pantry may be made via this LINK. Any questions please call the office at 516-216-5196.
Thank you!
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THANK YOU, TIZ THE LAW AND SACKATOGA STABLE |
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Photo Credit: Eric Kalet
We are extremely grateful for the devotion to the backstretch community demonstrated by Jack Knowlton and the entire Sackatoga Stable team.
Through sponsorships, proceeds of memorabilia, and extreme generosity, the team has led the way by placing their faith in those who care for the horses, and in recognizing their importance to the success of the racing industry.
Thank you for your leadership, Jack Knowlton, and happy retirement, Tiz the Law, we will all miss you at the track.
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In this season of fresh starts and new beginnings, Chaplain Humberto was honored to officiate at the first wedding of the year on the backstretch!
We pray with you and for you that this New Year brings a fresh perspective, new and strengthened relationships with each other and with God, health and happiness, and the knowledge that we are here for each other and always stronger together.
In the words of Joyce Meyer:
"You have a great God who loves you and cares about you. Be full of hope that something good can happen to you. God is a master of new beginnings. He loves fresh beginnings, He makes all things new."
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