Saratoga Gaming and Raceway Foundation Announces 2008 Grant Awards

            SARATOGA SPRINGS-The Saratoga Gaming and Raceway Foundation announced the 2008 grant program awards at the Saratoga County board of Supervisors regular meeting on December 16.  The Foundation awarded a total of $27,490 to 15 different agencies.  The monies were a combination between funds donated by Saratoga Gaming and Raceway, and the Saratoga Harness Horseman’s Association.  The 2008 grant awards were as follows: 

1.     Saratoga Bridges-$5000 for their Foster and Adoptive Families program and the Sibishops program

2.     Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention Council-$3000 for the “Preparing for Independence” on-line training program

3.     Shelters of Saratoga-$2490 for men and women’s lockers at the homeless shelter in Saratoga Springs

4.     CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services-$2000 to continue their ‘Teen Talk’ helpline

5.     Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services of Saratoga County-$2000 for the Housing and Employment Assistance Program

6.     Hawley Foundation for Children-$2000 for their discretionary fund used for children with extraordinary needs

7.     Saratoga Center for the Family-$1890 for group Parenting Programs

8.     Franklin Community Center-$1700 to fund the Project Lift Open House for 2009

9.     The Children’s Museum at Saratoga-$1550 to their new two year program “Wiggle and Giggle”

10.  Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association-$1000 for the Ballston Spa Film Festival

11.  Empire State College-$1000 to start a Veteran’s education program

12.  Home Made Theater-$1000 for their “Best of the Best Show”

13.  Catholic Charities-$1000 for the Saratoga Mentoring Program

14.  Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar-$1000 to provide mentoring programs for disadvantaged High school students

15.  Saratoga READS!-$800 for books for their ‘Pass along’ and ‘Junior Companion’ book programs

Matthew Veitch, Chair of the Foundation for 2008, was pleased to give out the awards for this year.  “It has been a great experience taking part in granting these funds to organizations that deserve them.  It is good to know that what they are doing is making our communities better, and stronger.  Organizations such as these are what makes this County such a great place. 

The foundation met three times this year, and decided on the grants at the December 11^th meeting.  Grants were selected on the criteria set by the foundation which is:

1.     Applicant organizations must be classified as not-for-profit.

2.     Applicant organizations must carry out services and activities that benefit Saratoga County Residents

3.     Activities that address problem gambling, support youth, senior citizens, recreation, arts and community benefit are preferred.

The 2008 board members of the Saratoga Gaming and Raceway Foundation are: 

            Matthew E. Veitch, Chairman and Supervisor-Saratoga Springs

            Scott T. Johnson, Vice-Chairman and Mayor-Saratoga Springs

            George J. Hargrave, Secretary and Supervisor-Galway and 2008 Chairman of the Board of Supervisors

            George “Skip” Carlson-Treasurer and V.P. for External Affairs-Saratoga Gaming and Raceway

            George Karam-Representative of the Harness Horseperson’s Association

For more information about the Saratoga Gaming and Raceway Foundation, and for information on contacting the Board, please visit Foundation’s the website at saratogagamingandracewayfoundation.org.