Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council to host food drive at Community Outreach Booth at Saratoga Race Course

by Pat Mckenna; Mark Bardack

Fans who donate will receive Saratoga collectable

 The Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council, Inc. (EOC) will host its annual food drive at Saratoga Race Course on Friday, August 26 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Guests who donate three canned or non-perishable items to the Saratoga County EOC will receive a Saratoga collectable. Suggested donation items include shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, pasta, peanut butter, cereal, rice, soup and canned vegetables.

The food drive will take place at the Community Booth, adjacent to the Jockey Silks Room and across from the Saratoga Walk of Fame. 

"The Saratoga County EOC looks forward to another successful food drive resulting from the generosity of the thousands of fans who visit Saratoga Race Course. We thank the New York Racing Association for its support and for this opportunity, which generates critical items for those in need throughout our community," said Lillian McCarthy, director of community services for Saratoga County EOC. "Saratoga Race Course is a special place and to have the ability to generate awareness about our community's needs while collecting items for our efforts is tremendous."

The Community Outreach Booth at Saratoga Race Course provides one non-profit organization per day with an exclusive opportunity to interact with the thousands of guests who visit Saratoga Race Course. Interactions range from sharing information and hosting fundraisers, to autograph sessions and musical performances.

The Saratoga County EOC food drive will take place on the eve of the 147th running of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers at Saratoga Race Course on Saturday, August 27. 

With a sold-out paid crowd anticipated for one of the banner days of the summer racing season, the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) strongly encourages fans to purchase tickets in advance for Saturday's Travers. 

Based on the current pace of sales, NYRA officials predict a sell-out for Travers Day which will feature the first full field for the Travers since 1977. 

Limited grandstand general admission is currently available for purchase. Tickets are $10 and available online at Ticketmaster.com, in-person at the NYRA Box Office at Saratoga Race Course, or by phone at 1-844-NYRA-TIX. There is a purchase limit of 8 general admission tickets per person. Clubhouse upgrades will not be available on Travers Day.

Clubhouse general admission, reserved seats, dining and hospitality are sold out. Travers Day attendance, as previously announced, will be capped at 50,000, similar to last year, in an effort to provide the best experience possible for guests. Saratoga season pass holders are guaranteed admission on Travers Day. 

The 2016 summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 5. For more information about Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com.