11/5/18
Finger Lakes Racetrack holds 11th Charity Cup
Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack in Farmington recently continued its signature charitable event by hosting the 11th annual Charity Cup.
Six area nonprofit organizations competed for a share of $30,000 in donations through an interactive day of handicapping live thoroughbred racing and accumulating points based on how their selections finished in each race.
At the end of a day that had over 100 attendees representing the various organizations, Family Promise of Ontario County finished on top and received $10,000. The organization, whose mission is to provide a pathway for homeless children and families to secure reliable housing and self-sufficiency, opened its doors this past September after two years of fundraising.
“This donation will have a tremendous impact on Family Promise of Ontario County,” said Bill Burns, executive director. “Thanks to this donation, we will be purchasing GED study guides for a guest whose goal is to get her diploma and provide a better life for her 2-year-old son, fund the transport of our guests from congregations to the day center, and a caseworker will sit down with an anxious expectant mother to finish a housing application so she can find a new apartment before the baby is due. Tackling homelessness is a team effort and we are so grateful for the support.“
FLGR received more than 40 applications from local organizations to be a part of this year’s event. Since its first year in 2008, the Charity Cup has awarded $330,000 to more than 50 nonprofit organizations in the region.
“Congratulations to Family Promise of Ontario County and all of our Charity Cup participants,” said Chris Riegle, president and general manager, FLGR. “All of these organizations do great work to make our community a better place and the team at Finger Lakes is proud to support them.“
The final standings and donation breakdown are Family Promise of Ontario County, $10,000; Monroe Housing Collaborative, $6,000; Bivona Child Advocacy Center, $5,000; Christopher’s Challenge, $4,000; Cobblestone Arts Center, $3,000; and Blue Star Mothers of America, $2,000.