The 3,500-square foot facility (which Chaplaincy officials hope will open this fall) will be located just inside the Gate 6 entrance to Belmont Park and will include a chapel which will also function as a multi-purpose room, office space for the chaplaincy staff, and a classroom to be used as a learning center. Among those who participated in the groundbreaking ceremony were David O'Rourke, president and CEO of NYRA; Ramon Dominguez, retired Hall of Fame jockey who serves as president of the chaplaincy; and Michael Dubb, Thoroughbred owner and the founder and principal of the Beechwood Organization, who also donated construction materials for the entire building. Major funding was provided by several parties including Lisa and Kenny Troutt of WinStar Farm, Kristine and Chris Kay, the late Marylou Whitney and her husband John Hendrickson, and the estate of the late Dolores Ochota.

“This facility is a dream come true for the chaplaincy and for all the people it helps,” said Dominguez. “We are extremely grateful to all those who played a part in making it a reality.”

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In 2020, the NY Chaplaincy commenced a Summer Enrichment Program in Belmont in order to fulfill the local need for a summer program due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The experience of 2020 demonstrated to us that there is a significant need for a program at Belmont which will continue even with the resumption of racing in Saratoga,” said Chaplain Humberto Chavez. “Many of our families remain at Belmont in the summer and we recognize there is an annual need for a quality summer enrichment program at both tracks. We thank you for your historic support of our Summer Enrichment Program and invite you to partner with us as we prepare to begin the 2021 program. We turn no child away and thank you for allowing us to serve the families of the backstretch in this critically important way.”

To support the Summer Enrichment Program, click here.

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