The Florida Amateur Driving Club will honour John Berry at the conclusion of its weekly event on Sunday night at Pompano Park.
In making the announcement, Dein Spriggs, president of the FADC, cited Berry’s ongoing commitment to the club in publicizing its charitable achievements along with the accomplishments of it members.
“John has been a ‘godsend’ to our organization in telling of our commitment to the community and our support to local charities through harness racing. His winner’s circle interviews have enlightened so many of our objectives and, even when he’s up in the booth announcing our races, he is always quick to point out the club’s achievements in supporting worthy causes as our fields move in behind the starting gate.”
Indeed, the club has donated over $125,000 to charities such as Tomorrow’s Rainbow, Bit-By-Bit, Vinceremos, Henderson Behavioral Health and Peaceful Ridge Rescue, the latter organization playing a vital role in the recent rescue of many abused and neglected horses in south Florida.
Spriggs went on to say that “people just don’t fully realize the medicinal benefit that horses have when it comes to illness or behavioral issues. John helps us publicize those benefits in such a succinct manner and this token of appreciation is a small ‘thank you’ to him.”
That ‘small thank you’ is in the form of a $1,000 donation to John’s favourite charity, The Aime Choquette Benevolent Fund, that, under the umbrella of the Florida chapter of USHWA, is able to provide help to those who have suffered a severe tragedy. The fund was created by the chapter in honour of one of the legends of our sport, Aime Choquette, who spent the better part of a half century as second trainer to Delvin Miller.
Of the award, Berry said, “I am truly humbled by the gesture of the FADC. After all, they are the ones that provide the ammunition for my words. It’s very easy to brag about such a grand organization. Maybe they should be the one’s getting an award for their dedication to these worthwhile charities through our great sport.”
(USHWA)