Over the years the North American Amateur Drivers Association (NAADA) has donated to worthy charities, and this year NAADA has contributed over $10,000 to charitable causes.

“NAADA members have had the pleasure of being able to donate in excess of $100,000 to worthy charities over the many years of our existence and even as the amateur racing season gets underway this season we've already made donations of $500 to both the Make A Wish Foundation and to New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program,” said NAADA president Joe Faraldo, who additionally donated to each charity.

Those donations were made in late March during participation in the amateur driving series sponsored by the Florida Amateur Club at Pompano Park.

According to Faraldo, over $13,500 was raised during the Florida Amateur Club's racing series.

"Hats off to Dein Spriggs, President of the Florida Amateur Club, and its membership for organizing such a worthwhile event," Faraldo said. "An event that saw David Miller and Tim Tetrick donate their time and talent as leaders of the teams for their respective charities to wow the crowd with their unquestionable talents. The long time efforts by the Florida Club have become the benchmark for other parts of the industry to emulate, both amateur and pro."

Each year the NAADA makes its own substantial donations to charities like Juvenile Diabetes and the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to name a few. Monies raised for the donations come from membership and starting fees paid by the club's participating drivers. Those monies also continue to be used to foster international competitions including organizing World Cup competitions on US soil.

Over the seasons, the NAADA hosts, and is hosted by, various European amateur organizations. Already this year the NAADA is preparing to host their counterparts from Hungary in mid-April, Spain in early May, Italy in mid-August and France in mid-October.

“It’s a ton of work," Faraldo said, “but worth all the effort benefiting the charities, while also supplying a predicate for nurturing good will among nations involved in harness racing worldwide."

(With files from the NAADA)