from the Meadowlands Media Relations Department

East Rutherford, NJ — The Meadowlands and U. S. Trotting Association are inviting horsemen, friends, and fans to contribute to the McKee Fund to benefit the family of the late Sam McKee.

McKee, 54, passed away March 8 after suffering a stroke in February. The Hall of Fame announcer and television personality was universally loved and respected throughout harness racing with his smooth race calls serving as the soundtrack to some of the most historic moments in the sport.

USTA/Mark Hall photo

The McKee Fund will benefit the family of the late Sam McKee.

“Sam’s widow, Chris, and three daughters continue to deal with the devastating and sudden loss of Sam and we want to continue to do all we can to help them,” explained Jason M. Settlemoir, Meadowlands GM and COO. “We have all been so touched and blown away by all of the support from so many people throughout the industry and this fund will go towards paying the remainder of student loan debt incurred by the McKees’ three daughters.”

“At the center of this heartfelt gesture will be the educational loans of Sam’s and Chris’ three accomplished daughters,” added USTA President Russell Williams. “Nothing else we could do now would have made Sam happier than this.”

The preferred method of contributing to the McKee Fund is to send checks directly to the Meadowlands. Checks can be made out to Meadowlands Racetrack with McKee Fund in the memo line. Checks should be mailed to the attention of Jason Settlemoir at:

Meadowlands Racetrack
1 Racetrack Drive
East Rutherford, NJ 07073

Contributions can also be made on the GoFund Me page that was previously established (http://bit.ly/2sHQsx0). Please be aware that a percentage of each donation is deducted by GoFund Me.

All funds raised will be presented to the McKee Family at the Meadowlands on Friday (Aug. 4), the night before the Hambletonian. On that night, the Meadowlands broadcast center will also be renamed in honor of Sam McKee. Hambletonian Day will also feature the Sam McKee U.S. Pacing Championship for free-for-all pacers.

For more information, visit www.playmeadowlands.com.