SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The New York Racing Association, Inc. celebrated women and their contributions to the thoroughbred industry while raising funds to support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) through Play for P.I.N.K. at Fabulous Fillies Day on Friday, August 15 at Saratoga Race Course.
The celebration was highlighted on-track with decorative pink bunting and flowers at the Clubhouse and Union Avenue gates, and at various locations throughout the property. The iconic Sea Hero statue in the paddock was also draped with a pink horse blanket and all New York Racing Association staff members wore pink ribbons. Additionally, all jockeys wore pink armbands to commemorate the occasion. Guests also had the opportunity to make monetary donations to the BCRF at numerous areas throughout the track during the day.
The centerpiece of the day-long affair was the Sizzling Hot Pink Saratoga Hat Luncheon presented by Escada in the At the Rail Pavilion. This year’s luncheon was in honor of Stella Thayer, past president and a member of the Board of Trustees of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.
The luncheon featured guest speaker Larry Norton, MD, leading the discussion Breast Cancer: How We Are Winning the Race. Currently the Deputy Physician-in-Chief for Breast Cancer Programs at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Medical Director of the Evelyn H. Lauder Breast Center, Dr. Norton has served as Scientific Director of BCRF since its inception in 1993.
Sponsors of the luncheon included: The New York Racing Association, Inc.; New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association; Escada; Moet Chandon; Michele Riggi; Fine Affairs; Posie Peddler; and AJ Signs. All luncheon proceeds benefit BCRF through Play for P.I.N.K.
Play for P.I.N.K. (Prevention, Immediate diagnosis, New Technology, Knowledge) is a grassroots organization dedicated to raising funds for breast cancer research by creating and promoting awareness of the disease through sporting and lifestyle events. Our commitment is to contribute 100% of all funds raised to our sole beneficiary, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. In 2013, PFP donated $4.25 million to BCRF for a cumulative total of $34 million. For more information, visit www.playforpink.org.
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) advances the world’s most promising research to eradicate breast cancer in our lifetime. Founded by Evelyn H. Lauder in 1993, BCRF has raised more than $500 million to fuel discoveries in tumor biology, genetics, prevention, treatment, survivorship and metastasis. This year, we invested $45 million in the work of more than 200 researchers at leading medical institutions across six continents. By spending 91 cents of every dollar on research and public awareness, BCRF remains one of the nation’s most fiscally responsible charities. We are the only breast cancer organization with an “A+” from CharityWatch, and have been awarded a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator 12 times since 2002. Join us at www.bcrfcure.org.
For up-to-date information about Fabulous Fillies Day and other special events at Saratoga Race Course, visit www.nyra.com/saratogaevents.com.