by John Manzi, for the Monticello-Goshen chapter USHWA

Monticello, NY — After again running another successful awards banquet in late October, the Monticello-Goshen Chapter of the U.S. Harness Writers Association donated $4,000 to Historic Track at their monthly board meeting on Nov. 15.

The presentation of the check was made to Bernie White, president of Historic Track’s board of directors, Steve Jones, board vice president and Kerry English, chairman of the board.

Gerry Fielding photo

John Manzi (center) presented a $4,000 check to Bernie White (right) as Kerry English (left) and Steve Jones look on.

That donation, which was bigger this year because of a significant donation from Louis Cappelli, will be matched and the National Historic Landmark will actually end up with $8,000.

For the 29th consecutive year the Monticello-Goshen Chapter of the U.S. Harness Writers Association donated to Historic Track the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame.

Last summer the organization presented a $3,000 check to Museum president Ebby Gerry, Jr. prior to the ceremonies at the Hall of Fame Banquet in Goshen, N.Y.

Money raised for the donations is made possible from successful chapter banquets and the continued support of the chapter’s charity journals.

“We thank all who participate in our annual awards banquet and charity journal and we are very fortunate to be able to raise the money, and when we do, it is our pleasure to donate the profits back to the industry; especially to Historic Track and to the Harness Racing Museum, which are not only in our own back yard but very dear to the hearts of everyone in harness racing,” noted Chris Tully, president of the Monticello-Goshen Chapter USHWA and second national VP. “And a special thanks goes to John Manzi whose dedicated efforts make the banquets successful.”

In the early 1980s annual donations by the Monticello-Goshen Chapter USHWA were used to support a college scholarship but it was later decided that when the chapter donates it should be to Historic Track and the Harness Racing Museum — both separate not-for profit entities — although over the years the chapter has also donated to other harness racing industry causes.

Next year the Chapter will also donate $4,000 to the Harness Racing Museum at the Hall of Fame banquet on July 1.