Earl Beal, Jr., President of the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen's Association, today announced that PHHA members who took part in the Driver's Challenge on October 12 at Harrah's Chester Racetrack & Casino contributed their earnings to Operation Warm
, a charitable organization that provides new winter coats to children in need through strategic partnerships with donors and community organizations.
The PHHA matched the drivers' contributions, amounting to a total contribution of $16,800.
This is the second year the PHHA and its members have teamed with Operation Warm to help provide new – never used – coats to third-party organizations that in turn supply them to children living at or under the poverty line. The donation should help provide coats to 1,120 local kids.
Drivers who donated their earnings include Dan Dube, Eric Goodell, Yannick Gingras, Cat Manzi, David Miller, George Napolitano Jr., Dave Palone and Tim Tetrick.
"Having the support of the PHHA is so important to Operation Warm, but even more critical to the families in need in the greater Chester area," said Kim Fremont Fortunato, Esq., president of Operation Warm. "The gracious commitment of the PHAA and its members is remarkable, particularly in the difficult times so many are facing this season."
"It's heartbreaking that children in our own communities lack such bare essentials as a warm, winter coat," said Beal. "It is truly our pleasure to partner with Operation Warm, knowing that every dollar will help children in need stay warm at the bus stop with brand new winter jackets they can be proud to wear."
(PHHA)