by Susan Higgins, Director of Marketing, Scarborough Downs

Scarborough. ME — Nearly all the totals are in, and the Drive for the Cure Weekend at Scarborough Downs was a great success, raising more than $3,700 for Susan G. Komen Maine for breast cancer research.

The Maine harness racing industry came together for two days, Saturday and Sunday (Oct. 26 and 27), in a nearly year-long planning effort to raise money and awareness for breast cancer.

Scarborough Downs photo

Pink ribbons were painted on the horses as part of the Drive for the Cure Weekend.

Horse owner Katy Waterhouse, who spearheaded the event, having two close friends who were diagnosed and beat the illness, rallied the troops and got the job done through raffles, blanket sponsors, sales of hand made horse browbands, bracelets, custom t-shirts, and pink ribbons painted on the horses. And her fellow horsemen all dug deep for the cause, donating their purse commissions, time, crafts, and dollars.

Drivers Kevin Switzer and Drew Campbell and trainer Tommy Richardson donated their five percent commissions for the day on Saturday. Richardson’s mother, Martha, upon hearing of her son’s generosity, matched the funds. Trainers on Sunday donated their commissions in race eight, which was the dedicated “Drive for the Cure” race carded on the program. Fan donations poured in. The winner of the 50/50 raffle donated his half of the cash back to the charity.

“We were so impressed by Katy’s hard work to get this event underway, and were humbled by the kindness and generosity of everyone that attended,” said Sharon Grass, one of the representatives from Susan G. Komen Maine who attended the event.

Horses were decked out in pink both days — they wore ribbons in their manes, donned pink browbands, and had pink symbols painted on their shoulders for a $1 fee that went to the charity. Ridgecrest Horse Supply donated pink whips for all the drivers.

“I am so pleased at how the event went,” said Waterhouse. “It never ceases to amaze me how generous our horsemen and women are; they are a great group and will always help out. If someone is in need, they step up.”

The planning for next year’s event is already underway.