This afternoon (Sunday, August 12) marked the 12th Day at the Races Fundraiser event held at Clinton Raceway in the 2018 live race season. It's $4,800 earnings for the Vanastra Curling Club put the total amount raised just over the $30,000 mark.
"We've worked with some pretty great groups over the past few years with our Day at the Races program," stated Jessica Carnochan, Marketing Manager for the Huron County oval. "This season is no different. They all have worked hard to encourage new people to attend the races, which is where we benefit. And of course, we couldn't have done it without the fans in Clinton; they support each and every one of these events wholeheartedly."
This is the third official season for running the program, where each week, a local group, club or organization hosts a fundraiser during the live race card at Clinton Raceway, although the track has been helping groups raise funds for well over 30 years. Groups host silent auctions, car washes, 50/50 draws, bake sales and pretty much anything they can think of that would be a good fit for the track.
With three Sundays remaining in the 2018 season, the Southern Ontario harness track hopes to see it's total rise to the $50,000 mark. The annual Charity Driver's Challenge, which closes out the season on September 2, is in its 38th year.
"We're very lucky to have a dedicated driver community that makes the trip to Clinton each year to partake in the annual event," said Carnochan.
The eight drivers donate their fees for the day, and this year the beneficiary is the Tanner Steffler Foundation.
On August 26, The Stratford Warriors Fundraiser will also host the track's final Trackside Local Market of the season, and the popular All Memorial Race Day. Fans have the opportunity to sponsor a race in memory of a loved one and Clinton Raceway will supply a commemorative item to be presented in the winner's circle.
"This year, we're working with Hope Metal Studios, a local metal sign making company, based in Clinton," said Carnochan. "They've done a really nice rendition of our logo, and have a space to add an engraved plaque."
Races are still available for sponsorship and the raceway can be contacted for more information.
Next Sunday, August 19 is the annual Kids Day event. It's free for anyone to attend, features inflatable fun, face painting, a teddy bear parade with prizes and is a fundraiser for the Hunter Costello Memorial FUNdation. The goal of the foundation is to build an accessible play ground in neighbouring small town Goderich Ont. The FUNdation is in memory of Hunter Costello, a strong, courageous little boy, who lost his fight to childhood cancer in 2017. Races are still available for sponsorship at $125 each and all proceeds go directly to the foundation.
(With files from Clinton Raceway)