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Special Olympics to host 50/50 raffle at Saratoga Race Course

by Pat McKenna, Mark Bardack

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced a special 50/50 raffle fundraiser to benefit Special Olympics New York programs and athletes at Saratoga Race Course on Friday, Aug. 23. The charitable endeavor will take place on the eve of the DraftKings Travers, the highlight of the annual 40-day summer meet at Saratoga.

Fans 18 years of age and older will be able to purchase tickets from Special Olympics New York athletes and volunteers stationed at the Jockey Silks porch. Tickets may be purchased with a debit or credit card. Cash payments will not be accepted.

Tickets are available in the following denominations:

• 5 tickets - $10

• 25 tickets - $25

• 100 tickets - $50

• 300 tickets - $100

One lucky fan with the winning ticket will take home half of the net proceeds of the raffle and the other half will be awarded to Special Olympics New York.

“Special Olympics New York athletes, families and friends are thrilled to be a part of this year’s DraftKings Travers weekend festivities at Saratoga Race Course,” said Special Olympics New York President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman. “The funds raised during our 50/50 raffle will have an immediate impact, giving people with disabilities in the Capital Region an opportunity to discover the champion within. Thank you, NYRA!”

Ticket sales will conclude at the end of the tenth race, the Grade 1, $500,000 Personal Ensign, and the winning ticket will be announced at 6:30PM.

The winning ticket number, prize redemption information and official rules will be posted online at specialolympicsny.org. The winning ticket holder does not need to be present at the time of the drawing.

“NYRA recognizes the important mission of Special Olympics New York and is happy to provide this special fundraising opportunity to an organization that brings the joy of sports and competition to athletes with disabilities,” said NYRA Community Affairs Manager Robert Hines. “We encourage fans on Friday to participate in this 50/50 raffle for such a worthwhile cause.”

In 2023, Special Olympics New York was one of the first nonprofit organizations approved to host 50/50 charitable raffles online by the New York State Gaming Commission.

Highlighted by the 155th edition of the Grade 1, $1.25 million DraftKings Travers on Saturday, Aug. 24, the 2024 summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course continues through Monday, Sept. 2.

For more information about Saratoga Race Course visit NYRA.com/Saratoga.