Toys for Tots returns to Aqueduct Racetrack on Cigar Mile Day
Annual weekend of giving set for Saturday, December 1 and Sunday, December 2
The New York Racing Association (NYRA) is pleased to announce the return of its annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation weekend of giving at Aqueduct Racetrack on Cigar Mile Day, Saturday, December 1 and Sunday, December 2.
A holiday tradition at Aqueduct, Toys for Tots will collect new, unwrapped toys, cash contributions, and checks made payable to Toys for Tots, with donation boxes located at the main Clubhouse entrance and the Turf and Field entrance.
"It's a privilege for the New York Racing Association to partner with the Marine Corps' Toys for Tots Foundation to brighten the holidays for so many children throughout New York City and across Long Island," said Lynn LaRocca, NYRA Senior Vice President and Chief Experience Officer. "Our fans and employees have generously supported Toys for Tots each and every year, and we are pleased to encourage that giving spirit again in 2018."
In addition to NYRA's donations, Toys for Tots is supported by generous contributions from the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA), thoroughbred owners Harold Lerner and Salvatore Sano, and trainer Gary Contessa.
"NYTHA is proud to support the Marine Corps' Toys for Tots Foundation and the work they do to bring joy to children," said NYTHA President Joe Appelbaum. "Our horsemen are a vital part of our local communities, and we strongly believe it is our responsibility to support our neighbors in need not only during the holidays, but all year round."
Saturday will also be the first of two Stocking Stuffer Sales at Aqueduct, with a portion of the proceeds going to Toys for Tots. The sale of past giveaway items will continue on Saturday, December 15.
"Putting a smile on the face of a child who may not otherwise receive a gift this holiday season is a priceless feeling," said Lerner. "I hope that these acts of kindness will inspire the children receiving the gifts to go on to do great things, knowing that there is a community that cares about them."
Contessa, who was NYRA's leading trainer from 2006-2009, will again be making a donation to Toys for Tots.
"Toys for Tots is not only a great way to give back this holiday season, but it is a great way to honor our military and the Marines who have been operating this great program for 70 years," said Contessa. "I am proud to have supported Toys for Tots for more than a decade in a variety of ways, and I'm thrilled to be able to express my support this year."
Cigar Mile Day features a special first post of 11:30 a.m. with gates open to the public at 10:30 a.m.
About the New York Racing Association (NYRA)
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) holds the exclusive franchise to conduct thoroughbred racing at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of New York State's thoroughbred industry, which is responsible for 19,000 jobs and more than $3 billion in annual economic impact to New York State.
Over the course of 225 days of live racing in 2017, NYRA generated $2.2 billion in all-sources wagering handle with paid attendance exceeding 1.7 million. While staging just over 5 percent of all races run in the United States in 2017, wagering on NYRA's races again accounted for more than 20 percent of all monies bet on thoroughbred racing in the United States.