Saturday night Meadowlands Racetrack held its Inaugural Charity Handicapping Contest. Ten local charitable organizations were selected to compete for their share of $15,000.
It was a tight contest with multiple lead changes and in the end, Act Now Foundation Inc came out on top with a final bankroll of $59.10, only $.40 cents ahead of second-place finisher Wayne PAL. Third-place finisher, North Jersey Friendship House was a close third with $57.50.

“We are so thankful,” said Kristine Allen, President & Co-Founder of Act Now Foundation’s Dementia Center. “This money will be used to help support dementia patients and their caregivers.”

The full Charity Handicapping Contest standings are below:

Charity | Bankroll | Donation

Act Now | $59.10 | $5,000
Wayne Pal | $58.70 | $3,000
North Jersey Friendship House | $57.50 | $2,000
CBH Care | $50.70 | $1,500
Standardbred Retirement Foundation | $42.30 | $1,000
Horse Rescue United | $36.00 | $500
Pacing For The Cure | $30.60 | $500
Project Literacy | $24.20 | $500
Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization | $20.10 | $500
Team Velvet | $15.80 | $500

For the Charity Handicapping Contest, organizations had to select one (1) horse in nine designated Meadowlands live races. The organization amassed a mythical bankroll if their selection finished first, second or third in the designated race. Official $2 WPS (Win, Place, Show) payoffs were added to the mythical bankroll. The organization with the highest bankroll was declared the winner.

Each organization came out with a slew of volunteers and supporters that thoroughly enjoyed their night at the races which included winner’s circle presentations.

“It was a feel-good night for all of us,” said Jason Settlemoir, COO and GM of Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment. “We love giving back to our community and we are so happy to see these local charities embrace this event. We cannot wait to do this again next year.”