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​NYRA Cares: Toys for Tots marks a holiday tradition at Aqueduct

by NYRA Press Office

By the time his work is finished this season for Toys for Toys, Major Chuck Kilbride of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve will have orchestrated 269 events in the New York metro area on behalf of the charity that collects and distributes new toys for needy children for the holidays.

And his favorite of those events? “No question, it’s going to Aqueduct,” he said. “The New York racing community is the most caring, sharing group of people I know. If they have a big day at the track, they’re very generous to Toys for Toys. If they don’t, they still give. Fans, trainers, it doesn’t matter. Their generosity is really something.”

Major Kilbride and his fellow Marines were at Aqueduct for NYRA’s Toys for Toys Day on Saturday, December 3, Cigar Mile Handicap Day. It marked his 32nd year representing the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation at Aqueduct in what has become a cherished holiday tradition at NYRA.

Fans on Saturday left new, unwrapped toys for the children in donation boxes in the Aqueduct clubhouse. Others made donations to Major Kilbride and other Marines and “Tots” supporters, who were part of a winner’s circle ceremony after the fifth race, named in honor of Toys for Tots.

As part of its support of the Toys for Tots Foundation, NYRA is making a financial contribution to the organization. Toys for Tots is also supported by contributions from the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA) as well as thoroughbred owner Harold Lerner.

Lerner started making an annual donation 10 or 12 years ago, he said, at the suggestion of trainer Gary Contessa, a regular contributor to Toys for Tots.

“There are a lot of kids who could get left behind,” Lerner said of the needy kids who can use a boost at this time of year. “Giving them a toy and making them happy can make a difference. The children receiving gifts should know that there is a community that cares about them. And sometimes, an act of kindness inspires those children to do something great in their lives.”

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation, which dates to several weeks prior to Christmas 1947 when Major Bill Hendricks of the United States Marine Corps Reserve admired a rag doll that his wife, Diane, had crocheted out of yarn. 

So how then, Diane wondered, could they give it to a needy child in time to “have a good Christmas?”

Major Hendricks didn’t know of an agency that distributed toys. So the next day, he and a fellow Marine made a proposal to their superiors for an annual Marine Corps-sponsored holiday toy drive.

“Don’t fail” was the terse advice they got.

But that was good enough – with the best proof of that what happens each year at Aqueduct. One of the attractions of supporting Toys for Tots is that the charity ensures that the funds and toys collected go to children in that area. That way, everything collected at Aqueduct is distributed to families in New York.

The Toys for Tots Foundation is also a Top-Rated Charity in terms of donation dollars that go directly to its mission. More than 97 percent of donations go directly to its mission of providing toys and other gifts to less fortunate children.

Currently, the Marine Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation distributes an average of 18 million toys to 7 million needy children annually. It also has a literacy program, that provides books and educational resources to disadvantaged children. 

Back at Aqueduct, Major Kilbride relishes the chance to contribute. “People at the racetrack all are all sorts of people and so giving when it comes to Toys for Tots,” he said. “We love it here.”

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Fans can continue to donate online at https://www.toysfortots.org/donate/ – using a credit card with a secure one-step process; or by selecting and donating toys through the organization’s virtual toy box. You can also give with a check made out to the “Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation” and mailed to: U.S. Marine Corps; Attention: GySgt, John Sardine; 605 Stewart Avenue; Garden City, N.Y. 11530.

Getting to know…Luis A. Vazquez

Citing its support for “the health and wellness of those who work and care for horses,” NYRA has been named the 2022 Corporation/Organization of the Year by the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (LIHCC). Here, LIHCC President Luis A. Vazquez discusses his organization, its mission and what inspired the selection of NYRA: 

What is the background of the LIHCC?

We were founded in 1988 to serve the needs of the Long Island minority-owned, small-business community. We serve both Nassau and Suffolk County to provide our members with business support, professional development workshops, advocacy programs, resource materials and networking opportunities to help them grow their businesses and elevate the community. Our workshops provide our members with the professional business and personal finance skills necessary to optimize business operations and compete with Long Island businesses.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic, The Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has been on the front lines partnering with local, state, and federal agencies to bring important, reliable information to our business community regarding Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Small Business Administration grants and loans and other relief options to help our community recover.

Our popular Latina Hat Luncheon and the upcoming Annual Gala Awards on December 17 when we’ll honor NYRA highlighting prominent community leaders who have made a positive impact on the quality of life and economy on Long Island and surrounding areas. And they’re usually the most attended of our events.

How did you first connect with NYRA?

Our relationship goes back to a Community Day we had several years ago at Belmont Park during Belmont Stakes Week.  We also had Latina Hat Luncheon at Belmont, which was a lot of fun – and very appropriate for the track, where hats can be an important fashion statement!

What is the basis for the honor?

It’s based on NYRA’s long-term commitment to the backstretch community. For decades, NYRA has partnered with several non-profit groups based at Belmont Park to support the health and welfare of the people who work with the horses.

* NYRA partners with B.E.S.T.; the Belmont Child Care Association (BCCA); the Race Track Chaplaincy, New York Division; and the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA) to support backstretch families.

A lot goes into those partnerships, doesn’t it?

Yes. What it means is that NYRA has been a steady supporter of the Hispanic community, who comprise a good portion of the people who work for the horses on the backstretch. It means that NYRA works with the non-profits like B.E.S.T. to provide socio-economic support to help the backstretch community with real-life situations and a lot of other matters. And finally, it means that NYRA ’s commitment in putting the needs of the community first is a reflection of its values.

How does that support the LIHCC’s mission?

We bring to light people and organizations that have made a positive impact. NYRA fits into that theme perfectly – and we’re proud to honor them.

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To learn more about the LIHCC, visit https://lihcc.org/  or email us at [email protected]

In the community…

Thumbs up for the Belmont Child Care Association (BCCA) annual holiday shopping event for the backstretch community

NYRA is proud to have once again supported one of the most heart-warming activities of the season: the Belmont Child Care Association (BCCA) annual holiday shopping event held Saturday, December 3 at Belmont Park’s Belmont Café for the children of the backstretch community.

The annual event featured more than 500 children from the backstretch families lining up to “shop” for the perfect holiday gift for their relatives. 

Volunteer “elves” from the community accompanied the children as they selected their presents. BCCA raises funds every year to purchase new items for everyone in the family so no money is exchanged as the children “shop.” All the items are new and everything is donated or purchased by BCCA with funds that were raised for holiday shopping.

BCCA thanks all its generous supporters for helping to make this cherished event possible and extends an extra special thank you to the following organizations that help spread the holiday cheer: Jazwares Cares, Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots, NYRA, the National Charity League, Inc. (Garden City Chapter), and the Garden City Service League of Boys.  

The BCCA Year-End Appeal:

Think BIG for BCCA this Holiday Season and support their Year-End Appeal! This one-of-a-kind charity has been sustained for many years thanks to the support of loyal donors, but each year sees a budget increase due to the expansion of the program and the rising need of providing scholarships for the children, which cost on average $1,300/month per child.

Support the BCCA’s life-changing program by making a donation at www.belmontchildcare.org/donate. All donations will help to provide scholarships for the children. And remember, a gift of ANY size matters because when we come together, we can make a great impact on the lives of our children and our families. Go to www.belmontchildcare.org to learn more.

Join the TAA Holiday Giving Campaign

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) Holiday Giving Campaign runs through December 31, 2022. Those wishing to support accredited thoroughbred aftercare can visit the TAA’s website to make a donation and send digital holiday cards to colleagues, friends, and loved ones.

“While we gear up for the holidays, it is my hope that those of us in the Thoroughbred industry consider donating to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance during its Holiday Giving Campaign,” said TAA President, Jeffrey Bloom. “The horses give us so much, and every donation to the TAA helps support a network of 81 accredited organizations, 180 facilities, and over 4,000 Thoroughbreds. Keep holiday giving simple, donate to the TAA.”

“The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance helps alleviate fundraising stress for their accredited organizations and provides much-needed funding to aftercare organizations who are doing the good work caring for the horses,” said TAA Funding and Events Manager, Emily (Dresen) Scandore. “Choose the TAA as your charity of choice during this season of giving where one gift from you helps thousands of off-track Thoroughbreds.”

To learn more about the TAA’s Holiday Giving campaign, CLICK HERE. 

A helping hand….

Sponsor a family for Christmas

The Christmas Sponsor a Family Program is one of the New York Race Track Chaplaincy’s most cherished traditions. This year, the Chaplaincy is once again offering the opportunity to participate in their program which provides food and gifts to backstretch families during the Christmas season. Sponsors provide brand new winter clothing for the children, a new toy for each child, and a grocery store gift card for the family's Christmas dinner (additional gifts are welcome, such as clothing for the parents).

Family Sponsorships can be shared and groups are encouraged to sponsor large families together. 

Please click HERE to be assigned a family to sponsor.  

Not a shopper? Not a problem! You may sponsor a family with a financial contribution as well! Simply choose from the sponsorship levels or make a donation of your choice by clicking HERE.

Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Hay Drive

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) cares for over 450 Thoroughbreds every day. Feeding 450 horses is not an easy task, but the TRF are unwavering in their effort to fill their barns with hay and grain for the coming winter. This year has been challenging and different, but the TRF’s national herd manager and their network of dedicated staff provide the TRF herd with the daily care they need and deserve.

The TRF herd is primarily made up of equine senior citizens with an average age of 21-years-old. Just like humans, horses require additional care and nutrition as they age - particularly in winter. As the TRF prepares for the colder months ahead, they are asking for your help to fill their barns with hay and grain.

To make a contribution, please visit: https://www.trfinc.org/haydrive/.