by Brian J. Mazurek, for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — Coming off a big opening night that saw one of the largest crowds in years, America’s oldest lighted harness plant could be just as busy on Wednesday night (July 24), especially in the clubhouse, when it hosts its annual fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester.

All 12 races on the Wednesday program have been sponsored with a $250 donation by various Western New York businesses and individuals who understand the importance of helping out such a great cause.

A blanket presentation will be made after each race representing the sponsoring party. The blankets are again being donated by Wanda Polisseni’s Purple Haze Stable.

While a minimum of $3,000 will be raised from the night’s festivities, the track is confident that total will grow higher.

“It literally takes 15 minutes to find the 12 race sponsors,” Todd Haight, GM of Live Racing said. “All of the night’s sponsors have been helping us raise money for many years now. I think everyone involved appreciates what a great job the folks from the BCCR do with people who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.”

Haight pointed out there are other ways money can be raised on Wednesday.

“Throughout the evening our customers will simply call me over and make a donation; we then have track announcer Joe Zambito make an announcement of the generosity shown by the customer(s) and that gets the ball rolling. A few years ago a horse owner from Florida who races locally was watching us via streaming video and called the racetrack and made a sizeable donation.”

Lori Meath, Outreach Coordinator for the Coalition, expressed amazement at what she called “a well-oiled machine.”

“This is my first year here and I am awed by the proficiency and enthusiasm of the Batavia Downs effort.”

Meath explained that 100 percent of the proceeds from this type of event stay in the Rochester region to provide no-cost support, education and advocacy for families dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis.

“As a grass-roots community organization, we could not do any of what we do without this type of support.”

Racing gates open at 5 p.m. and clubhouse doors open at 5:30 p.m. with first post scheduled for 6:30 p.m. To make clubhouse reservations, call Batavia Downs at 585.343.3750.

Admission and parking are free.