The 'Stay Strong Anthony Coletta' fund drive will conclude Wednesday night at Batavia Downs and the event will be capped off by two tremendous and generous donations.
Coletta is a 31-year-old harness driver who was seriously injured in an on-track accident at Harrah's Philadelphia in mid-November and remains in a Philadelphia hospital in serious condition.
Lon Frocione, a longtime horseman based in Vernon, New York, will be on hand Wednesday night along with his son, Todd, to make a $5,000 donation to the 'Stay Strong Anthony Coletta' fund. That will be followed by a $3,500 gift from Rochester-based owners Howard and Michael Ouriel, with driver Drew Monti doing the honours. The presentations will be made to local fund organizer Jami Chatt, who serves as assistant parade marshall at Batavia Downs.
Chatt spearheaded the drive which included wrist-band sales, silent auction, purse donations from drivers, trainers and owners, along with cash given by fans attending the races and Batavia Downs staff. The grand total of the event is $12,835, which will all go to Anthony Coletta and his family as he recovers from his injuries.
Bruce Tubin, President of the Western New York Harness Horsemen's Association, was extremely proud of the generosity shown by the incredible number of trainers, drivers, grooms and owners that donated a portion of their earnings to the Anthony Coletta Fund.
"Horsemen will always come through to help others in time of need," said Tubin.
The final Wednesday night of the 2013 season will begin at 6:30 p.m. with 12 races on tap.
(Batavia Downs)
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