The holiday season was a little brighter for hundreds of area families thanks to the generosity of the Southern Tier Harness Horsemen’s Association.

The group, whose members compete at Tioga Downs, made a $10,000 donation in December to the Food Bank of the Southern Tier, which serves a six-county region in and around Tioga Downs.

“This donation has become a yearly tradition for our organization and we are thrilled to support the Food Bank especially during the holiday season,” said Guy Howard, president of the STHHA. “We have a great working relationship with Tioga Downs and Jeff Gural, and since they are such strong supporters of the Food Bank, we are happy to follow their lead and join them with our support.”

The ninth season of live racing at Tioga Downs is scheduled to begin on Kentucky Derby Day, May 3, 2014 (pending regulatory approval).

(Tioga Downs)