American Thanksgiving is set for Thursday, but the true meaning and spirit of the holiday season will be front and centre on Wednesday night (November 27) at Batavia Downs.
Many in the Batavia driver's colony – along with trainers and owners – will be donating their earnings from Wednesday’s 12-race program in support of Harrah's Philadelphia driver Anthony Coletta, who was seriously injured in an on-track accident on Sunday, November 17.
The Western New York Harness Horsemen's Association will be making a donation on behalf of all the local horsemen to the Anthony Coletta Fund, but drivers John Cummings Jr., Ken Holliday, Shawn McDonough, Ray Fisher Jr., David McNeight III, Drew Monti, Jim McNeight, Kevin Cummings, Ronnie Wrenn Jr. and Denny Bucceri, along with trainers Ryan Swift and David McNeight Jr., are taking it a step further – they will be giving their entire night's earnings to the ‘Stay Strong Anthony Coletta’ fund.
Shawn McDonough, Batavia Downs' current leading driver, was the first to commit for the Coletta cause. He said, "I've never met him, but I just want to support another driver and his family. It's Thanksgiving time and it just seemed like the right thing to do."
The owners of Puff Mommy, My Red Hot Momma, Artsy Princess and Self Professed will contribute 10 per cent of their earnings on Wednesday night to the cause.
Batavia Downs' effort is being spearheaded by assistant parade marshall Jami Chatt, whose grandfather is former western New York driving great Fred Haslip and mother is Cherie Chatt, who also was a driver.
Chatt, who has never met Coletta, said, "Sometimes people tend to forget the dangers these drivers put themselves in so we can make a living or find enjoyment in the sport. I just want to help make the financial stress easier on Anthony's family."
Besides the Batavia Downs drivers, trainers and owners giving their purse winnings on Wednesday, donations will be accepted at the track for those fans wanting to contribute to the ‘Stay Strong Anthony Coletta’ fund.
Fans will also be able to bid on a Batavia Downs Gaming package valued at $250, courtesy of the WNYHHA. The package includes one night hotel accommodations at the Clarion Hotel in Batavia, $50 in food and $100 in gaming free play for Batavia Downs Gaming. The silent auction begins at 5:00 p.m. in the Paddock Room.
Todd Haight, Batavia Downs' GM of Live Racing, said, "I've always said the western New York horsemen are extremely generous people. Wednesday should be a very special night around here. Now, hopefully the weather will cooperate."
Batavia Downs is one of many tracks and organizations throughout North America that have stepped up and started fundraising campaigns for Coletta. It is hopeful that wristbands will arrive in time for Wednesday's card that fan can purchase in support of Coletta.
For those not attending the races but who want to help out, a fund has been set up. You can make a contribution to the ‘Stay Strong Anthony Coletta’ Fund, c/o TD Bank, 2653 South 5th St., Philadelphia, PA 19148.
(Batavia Downs)