B.E.S.T. seeking additional donations to support backstretch efforts
by Keith McCalmont
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The Backstretch Employee Service Team of New York (B.E.S.T.), which operates the B.E.S.T. Health Center located on the Belmont Park backstretch, is seeking additional donations in support of its efforts to assist the local racing community during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Donations to B.E.S.T. can be made via https://www.bestbackstretch.org/donate.
B.E.S.T., which boasts a staff of 15 fulltime workers and numerous volunteers, is tasked with providing backstretch workers free health care, life insurance, drug and mental health counseling, as well as food and clothing.
B.E.S.T is funded by the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) and the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA) along with public donations and grants from private foundations.
"The public response to our recent fundraising call was deeply impactful and has allowed our organization to make certain improvements to our medical facility to enhance its effectiveness in responding to this pandemic," said B.E.S.T. Executive Director, Paul Ruchames. "B.E.S.T.`s medical and counseling staff have heroically put themselves on the front lines in this pandemic to protect the backstretch workers of Belmont Park. As we continue to navigate these uncertain times, additional donations will support our ongoing medical and counseling efforts to keep our community safe and healthy. We appreciate any amount and these donations will be used to expand our clinic service schedule."
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