by John Manzi, for the NAADA

Monticello, NY — Amateur racing seems to be getting more prominent with each passing season. Not only do an overwhelming number of members own horses and employ professional trainers but, as a group, they support various charitable and worthwhile organizations.

Jelena Gerga photo

After the final of this year’s NAADA Fall Trotting Series at Yonkers, the participants in that race gathered in the winner’s circle to display a facsimile of the $5,000 check NAADA will donate to the JDRF. They were joined by Rosa Ferriera and Ursala McEntyre.

Each and every season the North American Amateur Drivers Association donates to worthwhile charities. And this year was no exception. The amateur drivers’ organization recently donated $5,000 to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

According to Joe Faraldo, president of the North American Amateur Drivers Association, members of his organization over the years have donated more than $85,000 to needy causes.

“The money,” he says, “is raised from membership dues, starting fees and drivers’ percentages and is used for many worthwhile projects including donating to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Special Strides in NJ and the Sullivan County Veterans Food Bank, to name just a few.”

Also deserving credit for contributing to these worthwhile efforts is Yonkers Raceway’s GM Bob Galterio, who serves as an official of the Westchester branch of the JDRF, along with Yonkers simulcasting director, Rosa Ferriera, and mutuel manager, Ursala McEntyre. Both ladies work to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, either by walking, running, or just plain old asking for donations for much needed research.

Faraldo and NAADA vice president Alan Schwartz are the focal points for directing these funds and later this week NAADA, along with the Catskill Amateur Drivers Club, will donate $2,000 to the Sullivan County Veterans Food Bank after a race at Monticello Raceway comprised of US veterans who are also amateur reinsmen.