Washington, PA — Charities will benefit, and kids and their parents will enjoy an appealing variety of activities Friday (June 28) at The Meadows Racetrack & Casino.

That’s the night the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Association and the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association will host a “Driver Charity Challenge & Family Fun Night” at the track. Live racing and family fun events begin at 5:30 p.m. A DJ, a balloon artist and face painters will be featured on the apron while a harness racing simulator and family-friendly giveaways are set for the Racebook.

For the Driver Charity Challenge, 10 drivers will be paired with a like number of area charities. The “winningest” driver over the five designated races — races 3, 5, 6, 9, 10 — will present a $3,000 check to his charity partner. Each participating organization will receive at least $500.

The charities/drivers are:

1. Bridge to Home Animal Rescue – Jim Pantaleano
2. Western PA Wounded Warriors – Tony Hall
3. Washington County Humane Society – Brady Brown
4. Harness Horse Youth Foundation – Brian Zendt
5. Pacing for the Cure – Dan Rawlings
6. Washington County Special Olympics – Chris Shaw
7. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh – Dave Palone
8. Arc Human Services of Washington County – Shawn Johnston
9. Washington County Animal Response Team (WaCART) – Ronnie Wrenn Jr.
10. Harness Racing Museum – Wilbur Yoder

“This is a really wonderful opportunity for harness racing to show its appreciation for the great work being done by charitable organizations in the Washington County area,” said Ashley Eisenbeil, PHRA director of marketing. “We’re also hoping that people new to the track will enjoy it.”

Dawnelle Mock, MSOA director of marketing, said, “The MSOA is thankful that the PHRA has selected our venue for this event. We welcome people of all ages to enjoy the night.”

For more information on the Driver Charity Challenge & Family Fun Night, visit www.pennhorseracing.com and click “Events” or phone Ashley Eisenbeil at 717.968.6043.