The Chaplaincy's summer enrichment program provides the children of backstretch workers the opportunity to attend local summer camps when their families travel to Saratoga for work during the race meeting.

“In Hebrew tradition there is a saying which translates to `may her memory be a blessing,' said the Chaplaincy Board President Ramon Dominguez about the gift. “It is up to those of us who knew and loved the person who passed to keep their spirit alive and to remember and share the goodness they brought to the world. This is what Len is doing with this grant. He is honoring and remembering the incredible Lois Green and her love for Thoroughbred racing and the backstretch community. We are humbled and blessed, and we pledge to be worthy of this generosity as we serve those who make racing possible.”

Green said he was inspired by the $10,000 challenge grant issued by the Heider Family Foundation last week. That challenge has been met, raising $20,000 for the program.

“If people want to honor Lois and what she's done, I thought this was a great way to do it,” said Green. “Here, if it can help and other people can do it and pick up on it, just imagine what good it could do for people on the backside! I remember how important summer camp was. Lois used to work on the playground in Red Bank, New Jersey in the summer, with no air conditioning, and I would say, `why would you do that? Why don't you work in an office?' And she'd say, `I'm doing it for the kids.'”

Green said he believed things happen for a reason. “Random things,” he said. “Man plans and God laughs. So many owners never go back to the barns and see what's going on. But I met Chaplain Humberto (Chavez), and he's doing worthwhile things.”

To donate to the challenge, visit the rtcany.org webpage, or click here.

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No child is turned away from the program, which meets critical needs for the families that the Chaplaincy serves. The program is solely supported by contributions from the public.

Those interested may click here to donate any amount, or click here to sponsor a child for one day, one week, one month, or the entire summer.

Humberto Chavez, Lead Chaplain and Executive Director of the NY Chaplaincy, said the program is very close to his heart.

“Thanks to the Saratoga Summer Enrichment Program, members of the backstretch community who are parents are able to keep their families together and know their children are well-cared-for while they are at work. The peace of mind this provides is something every parent can appreciate and support. We turn away no one and are very grateful to everyone who makes this program possible.”

Over 3,500 people make up the community of workers on the backstretches of the thoroughbred racing industry at Belmont Park, Aqueduct Racetrack, and Saratoga Race Course.  The New York Race Track Chaplaincy ministers to that community with children's enrichment, social service, and recreational programs, educational opportunities, and non-denominational religious services. The Chaplaincy provides these extensive services with the intent of satisfying not only spiritual needs but also basic human necessities, and its unique population is served without regard to race, creed, religion, background, or social status.

The post NY Race Track Chaplaincy Seeks Support for Summer Enrichment Program appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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