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Travers Celebration to benefit BEST, Hope Fund and PDJF The 12th annual Travers Celebration will return this summer to support the Backstretch Employee Service Team (BEST), the Times Union Hope Fund and its newest beneficiary, the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF), on August 23 from 7:30 to 11 p.m. (EDT) at Saratoga Race Course. The official party of the Grade 1, $1 million Travers Stakes will take place just two days before the 143rd edition of the Mid-Summer Derby. "We are delighted to once again host and support this outstanding event which benefits three vital organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life for youth, workers along the backstretch and jockeys," NYRA President and COO Ellen McClain said. "We encourage all of our stakeholders to show their gratitude for the critical work these organizations perform on behalf of these individuals by attending the official party of the Travers Stakes." The elaborate cocktail reception will feature exquisite food stations and beverage offerings, and dancing to live music from the New York Players. The evening will also include a live and silent auction. Throughout the summer, a portion of proceeds from all merchandise sold at the NYRA Stores at Saratoga Race Course will benefit the Travers Celebration and its charitable partners. Additionally, a portion of proceeds from Coca-Cola sales on track will be earmarked for both charities, as well as from group sales events at the Carousel Restaurant and At the Rail Pavilion. The 2012 Travers Celebration is co-chaired by George R. Hearst III, publisher and CEO of the Times Union newspaper; and Sharon Dominguez, wife of Ramon Dominguez, winner of the 2011 and 2012 Eclipse Award for outstanding jockey. Tickets are available for $175 per person and $125 for young adults (under 30). Tickets are available for purchase online at 2012traverscelebration-eac2.eventbrite.com or by phone at 518-383-6183. Credit cards accepted are Visa, Mastercard and Discover. The Travers Celebration has raised more than $1.1 million for non-profit organizations in the Thoroughbred industry and throughout the greater Capital Region since its inception over a decade ago. The BEST is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing care and service to maintain the health and well-being of employees in the backstretch. The Times Union Hope Fund, a component fund of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, raises money and awards grants to after school and summer programs serving at risk children in Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer and Saratoga counties. The PDJF provides financial assistance to former jockeys who have suffered devastating on-track injuries. The Travers Stakes will be run on August 25. For up-to-date information on the Travers Celebration and other special events, please visit nyra.com/saratogaevents. Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com
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