by John Manzi, for Monticello-Goshen USHWA

Monticello, NY — After again running another successful awards banquet in late October, the Monticello-Goshen Chapter of the U.S. Harness Writers donated $3,000 to Historic Track at their monthly Board Meeting on November 17. Chapter President Chris Tully was on hand to make the presentation of the check to Bernie White, president of Historic Track’s Board of Directors, and Frank Baldasarre.

Mike Kimelman photo

Chris Tully (center) presented a $3,000 check to Bernie White (right), as Frank Baldasarre (left) looks on.

For the past 27 years the Chapter has donated money to Goshen Historic Track and to the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame. On July 4, 2010 at the annual Hall of Fame Banquet in Goshen, N.Y., the Chapter will present another $3,000 check to the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame.

Money raised for the donations was made possible from a successful banquet and continued support from industry people and organizations who are gracious in their support of the chapter’s annual year-end fund raiser.

“We thank all those who participated 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 the Harness Racing Museum and to Historic Track, which are not only in our own backyard but very dear to our hearts,” noted Tully.

“Prior to annual donations to the Hall and Historic Track we (the Monticello-Goshen Chapter USHWA) used to support a college scholarship but it was decided long ago that when we donate money it would be in everyone’s best interest to support our own harness racing industry,” Tully added.

Later this month the Chapter will also donate $500 to the Saratoga Harness Hall of Fame in honor of the long and dedicated efforts of Virginia O’Brien and Kelly Young, both great friends of the Monticello-Goshen Chapter.