Organizers with the Hambletonian Casino Night, which was held on August 3 at the Meadowlands Racetrack, have announced that the generosity and support of the harness racing community has helped raise much needed funds for the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame and the Standardbred Retirement Foundation.

Sponsored and strongly supported by the Hambletonian Society and the Meadowlands Racetrack, the evening included not just great table games and a poker tournament, but wonderful food and terrific raffle prizes.

A very hearty thanks to major sponsors Trixton: Bengt Ågerup and Christina Takter, Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment, Arden Homestead Stables, Joe Bellino: owner of Pet Rock and Rock N Roll Heaven, Crawford Farms, Marc and Marcia Goldberg, and Ron Burke Stables.

Organizers also wish to thank Roberts Communications Network and Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment for providing the grand prize for the poker tournament, a three-night / four-day trip for two to Las Vegas, including airfare, first-class hotel accommodation, and show tickets.

Organizers would also like to gratefully acknowledge the generosity of the following sponsors: The Hambletonian Society, Myron and Stephanie Bell, Tony Alagna, Scott Zeron, Casie Coleman Racing, Dan Dube, Linda Toscano, Tim Tetrick, Noel Daley, David and Misty Miller, George Teague Racing, Freehold Raceway, Dr. Stephen Bokman, Yannick Gingras, Corey Callahan, Andy Miller, George Brennan, Brian Sears, Mark Harder, Jonas and Christine Czernyson, Hogan Equine Clinic, and Erv Miller Stables.

Some of the sought after raffle items included the use of a luxury suite for six people for a New York Yankees game, courtesy of Brian Cashman, tickets to a Kenny Chesney/Jason Aldean concert, an iPad Air, an Apple watch, signed Yankees memorabilia and much more.

The event was so successful and enjoyable that it will likely be repeated next year. Check with the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame and the Standardbred Retirement Foundation for more information in 2016.

(With files from the Standardbred Retirement Foundation)