NYRA to provide free back to school giveaway at 2017 Berkshire Bank Family Mondays

by Pat McKenna; Mark Bardack

Berkshire Bank and Hannaford Supermarkets to provide families with school supplies

The New York Racing Association, Inc. today announced a special back to school initiative for families on the final two Mondays of the 2017 season at Saratoga Race Course.

The first 500 children, ages 12 and under, to visit Berkshire Bank Family Mondays on August 28 and September 4 will each receive a free drawstring bag filled with school supplies, courtesy of Berkshire Bank and Hannaford Supermarkets. Berkshire Bank Family Mondays is held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavilion.

"The New York Racing Association is pleased to partner with Berkshire Bank and Hannaford Supermarkets to lend a helping hand to families as their kids head back to school," said NYRA Senior Vice President and Chief Experience Officer Lynn LaRocca. "School supplies can be expensive and we are happy to work with our partners to provide this gift to children who join us at Berkshire Bank Family Mondays. This event is a great way for individuals of any age to experience all that Saratoga has to offer as we continue to build the next generation of racing fans."

The black drawstring backpack featuring the red Saratoga logo will include a notebook, box of crayons, pencil, eraser, ruler, and glue stick. Also included in the backpack is a red Hannaford sandwich container.

"Berkshire Bank Family Mondays are designed to provide a kid-friendly setting for racing fans of all ages to enjoy a day at Saratoga. We believe 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," said Bob Curley, New York Chairman of Berkshire Bank. "We thank Hannaford Supermarkets for their support and encourage families to join us as we close out the summer racing season."

"With a return to the classroom on the horizon, school supplies are in high demand. We are excited to help stock the desks of students," said Hannaford Supermarkets Community Relations Specialist Brian Fabre.

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.

The event also provides local schools and PTAs with an opportunity to fundraise for their operations by hosting a designated activity which carries a suggested donation. Funds raised throughout the afternoon are supplemented with additional grants from the New York Racing Association and Berkshire Bank.

Schools and PTAs to be hosted during the remaining two Mondays of the season are Scotia-Glenville Education Foundation on August 28, and Lisha Kill Middle School on September 4. 

Guests on Mondays and all other days can also enjoy the Saratoga Family Zone which features a newly revitalized playground in a smoke- and alcohol-free area. New highlights of the playground include an oval multi-lane running track surrounding the playscape, a miniature replica starting gate, a "selfie" photo station, spring horses, and educational panels designed to teach children about the life of a race horse.

The summer racing season continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 4. For more information, visit www.NYRA.com/Saratoga.