COMMUNITY WINS BIG DURING INAUGURAL CHARITY CUP
Farmington, N.Y. (October 4, 2008) – A day of celebration and recognition of area charitable organizations came to a close today at Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack with Literacy Volunteers of Ontario County winning the Inaugural Charity Cup this afternoon and taking home a $10,000 donation. The entire purse of $30,000 donated by FLGR in support and recognition of area charitable organizations was shared by all six participating charities in this first-time event.
“What an exciting day of racing and philanthropy and we want to thank Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack for creating this interactive, fun and worthwhile event,” said Linda Proctor, director of the Literacy Volunteers of Ontario County. “This was a very creative way to give back to the organizations that support the community with much needed programs and services. Our gratitude goes to Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack.
FLGR received over 60 applications for entry into the Charity Cup, and due to the overwhelming response raised the number of selected charities to six from four and total purse to $30,000 from $20,000. Selection was based upon several factors including, but not limited to, an assessment of overall need, services provided, the program to be supported, and the potential impact within our community. The charities were asked to pick a winning horse in each of six designated races this afternoon, and earned points based on race results.
Here are the final standings and total donations received:
1. Literacy Volunteers of Ontario County - $10,000
2. Canandaigua Salvation Army - $5,000
2. Ontario County Humane Society - $5,000
2. Mercy Flight - $5,000
5. Camp Good Days - $3,000
6. Christopher’s Challenge - $2,000
“Congratulations to Literacy Volunteers of Ontario County for winning the Inaugural Charity Cup, and congratulations to all of the charities who participated today,” said Chris Riegle, FLGR president and general manager. “We believe we have created an event that shines the spotlight on all of the tremendous work these local charities and their staff and volunteers do to make our community a great place in which to live. We’re looking forward to making this an annual event.”
Here is what all six charities plan to do with their winnings:
Camp Good Days (Mendon): Funds to be applied to two new residential camping programs: Camp F.A.C.T. (Fostering Amazing Children Together), a residential camping experience for children ages 8-14 who currently reside in foster homes. Camp H.O.P.E. (Healing Opportunities Providing Encouragement), a residential camping experience for children 8-14 who have been impacted by domestic violence.
Christopher’s Challenge (Webster): Funds to be applied to additional community bone marrow donor screening drives to offer free testing to anyone committed to being a bone marrow donor.
Literacy Volunteers of Ontario County (Canandaigua): Train additional volunteers to be tutors and to recruit low literacy adults and adults who need to learn to speak English.
Mercy Flight (Canandaigua): Provide medical equipment, training and fuel to ensure critical care air medical services are available to all in need regardless of their ability to pay.
Ontario County Humane Society (Canandaigua): Support the spay/neuter program and education programs within Ontario County.
Canandaigua Salvation Army (Canandaigua): Continued support of the Phoenix After School Program, which provides a safe haven for at-risk children of working parents by emphasizing development of responsibility and self-esteem.
