by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — With some of the top Monticello Raceway horsemen leading the way, a group of drivers and trainers donated their driving percentages from various races on the Thursday (Dec. 15) race card at the Sullivan County oval to a local charity.

The recipient of the funds once again is the Love and Hope For the Children Foundation in Monticello, N.Y., which will use the money for Christmas presents for the lesser fortunate children in the area.

“This is the eighth consecutive year that the horsemen will help make the holiday brighter for many children who would otherwise not know the joy of the season,” noted Daisy Ellis, the president of the Love and Hope For the Children Foundation. “It’s really a wonderful thing that they do.”

Both trainers and drivers donated their percentages in various races throughout the afternoon card of Dec. 15. Nearly 30 horsemen contributed to the donation and among them were Jimmy Taggart, Jr., Bruce Aldrich, Jr., Zeke Parker, Gary Messenger, John Gilmour, Kyle DiBenedetto, Mike Forte, Ron Ingrassia and Billy Kapinos.

The drivers’ and trainers’ percentages totaled $1,235 for the Love and Hope For the Children Foundation.

“Speaking from all of us from our foundation we can’t thank the Monticello horsemen enough for their donations. I personally know many children will now have something that they wouldn’t have had during the Christmas season if the horsemen didn’t get involved with us,” Ellis said.