Saratoga Race Course celebrates Berkshire Bank Family Monday with special fundraiser for Stevens Elementary School

by Pat McKenna; Mark Bardack

The New York Racing Association, Inc. today hosted the second edition of Berkshire Bank Family Mondays during the 2017 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course.

The weekly family festival, held each Monday of the meet from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavilion, 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.

Each Monday also provides local schools and PTAs with an opportunity to fundraise for their operations by hosting a designated activity which carries a suggested donation. The featured organization for the second Monday of the season was Stevens Elementary School, part of the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Central School District. Funds raised throughout the afternoon were supplemented with additional grants from the New York Racing Association and Berkshire Bank.

"We came to Saratoga last year and had a great time. It's a lot of fun to hang out with the kids and parents," said Amy Waylett, president of the Stevens Elementary School PTA. "We appreciate everything the New York Racing Association does for this event. It's a great opportunity to raise money for our school. Funds raised will support our PTA programming, including our annual Halloween party and afterschool enrichment programs."

"Saratoga Race Course is a true family destination, and our Berkshire Bank Family Mondays series provides a great way for the next generation of racing fans to experience an afternoon at the Spa. We are excited to continue this tradition in partnership with Berkshire Bank as we help our youngest fan base discover the excitement of thoroughbred racing and the history of Saratoga Race Course," said New York Racing Association Senior Vice President and Chief Experience Officer Lynn LaRocca. 

Additional schools and PTAs to be hosted throughout the season include the Skano Elementary School on August 7; Chango Elementary School on August 21; Scotia-Glenville Education Foundation on August 28; and Lisha Kill Middle School on September 4.

Families in attendance can enjoy the comfort and convenience of a reserved picnic table in the backyard of Saratoga Race Course.

Reserved tables in the backyard are available for $60 (including admission). The tables seat six guests and are located adjacent to the Paddock where fans can watch the horses being saddled before each race.

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 about Saratoga Race Course, visit www.NYRA.com/Saratoga.