The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will celebrate women and their
contributions to the Thoroughbred industry with a special day appropriately
titled “Fabulous Fillies Day” on August 17 at Saratoga Race Course.
All fans who wear pink will receive free admission to Saratoga Race Course.
The day will feature a number of special events and activities designed to
honor the extraordinary women of the Thoroughbred industry while raising funds
to support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). The centerpiece of the
day-long affair will be the Sizzling Hot Pink Saratoga Hat Luncheon at 11:30
a.m. (EDT) in the At the Rail Pavilion.
“Women are a central part of the summer racing season at Saratoga Race
Course. We invite ladies to join us for a stylish and fun luncheon at the track
in honor of Fabulous Fillies Day,” NYRA Director of Community Relations Joanne
K. Adams said.
“We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of Virginia Kraft Payson,
honoree of Fabulous Fillies Day, while raising awareness and funds for The
Breast Cancer Research Foundation.”
A renowned owner/breeder, Kraft Payson is also a pioneer woman sports
journalist and author, and an avid sports enthusiast.
This year’s luncheon is in memory of BCRF Founder and Chairman Evelyn H.
Lauder. Since founding BCRF in 1993, Lauder spearheaded the organization’s
efforts to raise more than $325 million to support breast cancer research.
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit
organization committed to funding scientific research to achieve prevention and
a cure for breast cancer. In October 2011, BCRF awarded $36.5 million to 187
scientists across the globe. With over 90 cents of every dollar donated
currently being directed to breast cancer research and awareness programs, BCRF
is one of the most fiscally responsible charities in the country and holds a
4-star rating from Charity Navigator.
Additional honorary co-chairs of the event include: Theresa Behrendt, Julie
Bonacio, Jane Golub, Jaynne Carr Keyes, Maureen Lewi, Suzie O’Cain, Michele
Riggi, Patty Riggi and Margie Rotchford.
The luncheon will feature guest speaker J. Dirk Iglehart, MD, Brigham and
Women’s Hospital/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, leading
the discussion: Breast Cancer: How We Are Winning the Race. Dr. Iglehart’s
research grant is funded by The Golub Foundation.
The event will be emceed by Jeannine Edwards from ESPN.
During the luncheon, representatives from the New York Thoroughbred
Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA) and NYRA will present BCRF with a combined
donation of $10,000 to support the organization’s efforts to find a cure for
breast cancer by funding clinical and translational research worldwide.
Event guests will have the opportunity to shop at the Fabulous Fillies
boutique featuring Encounter, Nina McClemore, Northeastern Fine Jewelry, Rulu
New York and the Pink Paddock.
A silent and live auction will feature fabulous prizes, including the
opportunity to own a piece of a Thoroughbred, courtesy of West Point
Thoroughbreds. ZED will offer complimentary sparkling wine. Farrier Wine Company
and Foley Family Wine are donating all wine for the event.
Donations to BCRF will be accepted throughout the day at the community
outreach booth in front of the Jockey Silks Room, where BCRF executives and
volunteers will be available to discuss the organization’s mission, goals and
services.
Co-chairs of the Sizzling Hot Pink Saratoga Hat Luncheon are Joanne K. Adams,
Debbie Finley, Tanya Luzzi and Catalina Mueller.
General tickets are $150 per person. All proceeds from ticket sales benefit
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Tickets may be purchased by contacting
NYRA Director of Community Relations Adams by phone at 518-584-6200 or via email
at jadams@nyrainc.com.
Fabulous Fillies Day will take place on the eve of the running of the Grade 1
Alabama Stakes, Saratoga’s signature stakes race for three-year-old fillies.
For up-to-date information on Fabulous Fillies Day and other special events,
please visit NYRA’s
Saratoga events page.
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