Dayton, OH — Countryside YMCA, of Lebanon, Ohio, hosted an “Evening at the Races” for members of its Stolle Center, for individuals 50 years of age and older, on a damp Wednesday (Nov. 4) at Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway.
The opportunity is coordinated on an ongoing annual basis by Tony Brigano, who had nearly 50 years of public service in adult and juvenile corrections before retirement. Brigano also serves a presiding judge at various county fair harness racing meets, as well as other positions within the sport.
After his daughter, Michelle, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Brigano has equally become known for a unique multiple sclerosis fundraising walk involving groups of inmates at various correctional institutions around the State of Ohio. “I learned most inmates want to give back.”
Members had the chance to ride in the starting gate at Dayton Raceway with Becky and Mike Woebkenberg, who maintain a passion for promoting and publicizing harness racing. Brigano has created “a way to educate folks on harness racing,” according to Mike Woebkenberg.
Stolle Center members also joined filly Stars In Her Eyes in the Dayton winner’s circle after her victory in the evening’s fourth race.