Grove City, OH — The Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association’s scheduled Charity Night for 2020 was cancelled due to COVID-19, but that did not stop the OHHA from assisting 20 charities in Central Ohio with donations totaling more than $31,000.

In the past, charities were grouped with OHHA representatives who served as their hosts for a night at the races. The charities learned about harness racing and were given the opportunity to educate race fans about their charities. As part of the evening, each charity was coupled with a horse and driver. Based on the results of the races, the OHHA awarded the charities with a cash donation.

COVID-19 cancelled the 2020 in-person Charity Night event. Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association Executive Director Renee Mancino said it was important to continue to support other organizations.

“The pandemic has hit the horsemen and non-profit sector hard, overburdening many community-area resources, however it was very important to Ohio horsemen in this difficult year to contribute to other non-profit sectors that have partnered with us in prior years with the live Charity Night event, despite the cancellation.”

The charities that received donation were ALS Association Central and Southern Ohio Chapter, Alzheimer’s Association of Central Ohio, Canine Companions For Independence, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of Central Ohio, Girls on the Run of Central Ohio, Haven House of Pickaway County, JDRF Diabetes Foundation of Central Ohio, Mid-Ohio Foodbank, The Ohio 4-H Youth Development, Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation, Ohio FFA Foundation, Pacing for the Cure, PBJ Connections, Pickaway County Special Olympics, St. Denis Holy Family Immaculate Conception, St. Patrick School, American Red Cross, Tread Lightly, and USO of Central and Southern Ohio.

Jessica Boyd, the Development Manager of JDRF Diabetes Foundation of Central Ohio, says they are looking forward to the 2021 Charity Night.

“We love participating in the event every year and are so thankful for the continued support from the OHHA. It was a welcome surprise.”

For Principal Debbie Adamczack of the St. Patrick School in London, Ohio, the donation will be used to keep students safe during the pandemic.

“We cannot thank the OHHA enough. The donation will be used to purchase plexiglass barriers that we will use in our classrooms.”