from the Harness Horse Youth Foundation

Westfield, IN — The Harness Horse Youth Foundation, in cooperation with The Red Mile, will be conducting an innovative fundraiser “Drive For Youth” on Kentucky Futurity Day, October 3, 2009.

This event will encourage all drivers, trainers, and owners to support HHYF and its programs by making a pledge based on earnings of that day’s purses. HHYF will also accept pledges from fans and others who wish to lend financial support. All donors will receive tax receipts for their contributions.

“We are anticipating widespread support of this fundraiser and are hopeful many horsemen and tracks will join in our efforts,” said HHYF Drive For Youth Committee Co-Chairperson Marlys Pinske. “Our programs are effective in establishing interest in harness racing, especially if we, as an industry, will step up the support so we can do more.”

Additional special activities are being planned for the day with an emphasis on families and up close contact with members of the Harness Racing Youth League stable.

HHYF and its programs have proven successful in encouraging young people to become or stay involved in harness racing as a career. Graduates are now employed in management positions, in marketing and advertising, as trainers, drivers, veterinarians, and blacksmiths. Others have jobs outside the industry but remain active as owners and fans.

The efforts of HHYF are based on the grassroots approach of allowing hands-on contact with the horses themselves. The most visible of the programs is the Harness Racing Youth League summer camps, now ready to launch its tenth season.

More details concerning “Drive For Youth” will be available in late summer. For additional information about HHYF and its programs, please visit the organization’s Web site at www.hhyf.org.