Coglianese /NYRA Photo Photo

NYRA hosts free back to school giveaway during Berkshire Bank Family Mondays

by Pat McKenna/Mark Bardack

Berkshire Bank and Hannaford Supermarkets provide families with school supplies

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today hosted a special back to school initiative in conjunction withBerkshire Bank Family Mondays at Saratoga Race Course. The first 500 children who visited the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion during the weekly event received a free drawstring bag filled with school supplies, courtesy of Berkshire Bank and Hannaford Supermarkets.

"NYRA is pleased to partner with Berkshire Bank and Hannaford Supermarkets on this special giveaway designed specifically for our youngest racing fans as they prepare to head back to school," said NYRA Senior Vice President and Chief Experience Officer Lynn LaRocca. "We encourage families to join us for Berkshire Bank Family Mondays which is a great way for kids of all ages to experience Saratoga."

"This is a great opportunity for families to enjoy one final visit to Saratoga while receiving educational supplies as they prepare for the start of school. Berkshire Bank Family Mondays and the Berkshire Bank Family Zone are specifically designed for our youngest racing fans and are an ideal way to experience all that Saratoga has to offer," said Bob Curley, New York Chairman of Berkshire Bank. "Through our support of both the Family Zone and Family Mondays, we are honored to incorporate Saratoga's premier family activities under the Berkshire Bank banner and encourage families to join us as we close out the summer racing season."

"School supplies are in high demand this time of year and we are pleased to partner with NYRA and Berkshire Bank to help stock the desks of students returning to the classroom this fall," said Hannaford Supermarkets Community Relations Specialist Brian Fabre.

Families will have a second opportunity to take home one of the backpacks during the final Berkshire Bank Family Mondays event of the 2018 season on Labor Day, Monday, September 3 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Backpacks with school supplies will once again be provided to the first 500 kids, ages 12 and under, who visit the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion.

Berkshire Bank Family Mondays invites families and children to experience and enjoy a wide array of free games, attractions and educational activities, including the opportunity to pet a retired thoroughbred, against the backdrop of historic Saratoga Race Course.

Berkshire Bank Family Mondays takes place just across from the Berkshire Bank Family Zone, an interactive play area featuring games, attractions, an Adirondack-style chair and Berkshire Bank charging station. The Berkshire Bank Family Zone is open every day of racing during the Saratoga season.

The 2018 summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 3. For more information about Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com.