by John Manzi, for the Monticello-Goshen Chapter, USHWA

Monticello, NY — For the past 27 years the Monticello-Goshen Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association has donated money to Goshen Historic Track and to the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame and this year was no exception.

Mary Galbraith photo

Monticello-Goshen Chapter treasurer John Manzi (center) presented a check for $3,000 to Historic Track Board President Bernie White (left) and Vice President Steve Jones (right).

After once again running a successful awards banquet in late October, on Tuesday, November 18, Monticello-Goshen Chapter USHWA donated $3,000 to Historic Track at their monthly Board Meeting. Chapter treasurer and Historic Track Board Member John Manzi presented the check to Historic Track Board President Bernie White and V.P. Steve Jones.

And on July 5, 2009 the Chapter will also donate $3,000 to the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame at the annual Hall of Fame Banquet at the Museum in Goshen, N.Y.

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 charity journal which is run in conjunction with the annual awards banquet.

“We are very fortunate to be able to raise money at our banquets and when we do we are proud to donate the profits back to the industry; especially to the Hall of Fame and Historic Track, which are in our own back yard,” noted chapter vice president Shawn Wiles, who was a member of the banquet committee.

“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.”