Amateur racing seems to be getting more prominent with each passing season. Not only do an overwhelming amount of members own horses and employ professional trainers, but, as a group, they support various charitable and worthwhile organizations.

Each and every season the North American Amateur Drivers Association donates to worthwhile charities. And this year was no exception. The amateur driver’s organization recently donated $5,000 to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
According to Joe Faraldo, president of the North American Amateur Drivers Association, members of his organization over the years have donated over $85,000 to needy causes.

“The money,” he says, “is raised from membership dues, starting fees and drivers' percentages and is used for many worthwhile projects, including donating to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Special Strides in NJ and the Sullivan County Veterans Food Bank, to name just a few.”

Also deserving credit for contributing to these worthwhile efforts is Yonkers Raceway General Manager Bob Galterio, who serves as an official of the Westchester branch of the JDRF, along with Yonkers Raceway Simulcasting Director Rosa Ferriera and Yonkers Raceway Mutuel Manager, Ursala McEntyre. Both ladies work to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, either by walking, running, or just plain old asking for donations for much needed research.

Faraldo and NAADA Vice President Alan Schwartz are the focal points for directing these funds. Later this week, NAADA, along with the Catskill Amateur Drivers Club, will donate $2,000 to the Sullivan County Veterans Food Bank after a race at Monticello Raceway comprised of U.S. veterans who are also amateur reinsmen.

(NAADA)