The not-for-profits selected to participate in the 2013 event are: Gilda’s Club Rochester, NY, Another Chance Pet Rescue, Daystar for Medically Fragile Children, Inc, Wayne Pre-Trial Services/Homeless Youth Program, YMCA of Greater Rochester/Victor, and Compassionate Care, Inc. Each not-for-profit will compete for a share of $30,000 through an interactive event surrounding an afternoon of thoroughbred racing, with all organizations guaranteed to receive a minimum donation of $2,000.

Not-for-profit organizations located within Monroe, Ontario, Wayne and Seneca counties were invited to apply for a chance to be selected to participate. The selection process was based upon several factors including, but not limited to: an assessment of overall need, services provided, the program to be supported, and potential impact within our community. This year, over 50 organizations applied to be part of the event.

“The Charity Cup is a special event that allows organizations to come together for an afternoon to recognize their staff, volunteers, and donors while also providing public awareness and financial support to each of their causes,” said Chris Riegle, FLCR president and general manager. “Over the past five years we have celebrated 30 local charities, and look forward to continuing those efforts.”

On the day of the Charity Cup event, Saturday, October 5, the six not-for profits chosen gather with their supporters and select one horse from each of the six designated races, and receive points based on how their horse finishes. The not-for-profit that earns the most points takes home the top prize of $10,000 and the Charity Cup trophy. All participating not-for-profits receive a share of the purse with second-place earning $6,000, third-place earning $5,000, fourth-place $4,000, fifth-place $3,000 and sixth-place $2,000.

The organizations along with the programs to be supported are as follows:

Gilda’s Club Rochester, NY – Gilda’s Club Rochester creates free support for everyone living with cancer, including men, woman, teens, and children along with their families and friends. The program complements medical care by proving networking and support groups for those affected by the disease, as well as workshops, education, and social activities. Funds from the Charity Cup will be allocated to various support programs, workshops, and Camp Open Arms, a two-week summer day camp for children ages three to 14 living with cancer.

Another Chance Pet Rescue (ACPR) – A no-kill rescue group, ACPR provides foster homes for homeless, abused or abandoned animals that are facing euthanasia. The volunteer organization provides all necessary medical care including vaccinations and spaying or neutering before placing the animals in permanent homes. Funds from the Charity Cup will help support a new initiative for ACPR to educate kids within the city of Rochester and surrounding communities about animal cruelty in an effort to stop animal abuse.

Daystar for Medically Fragile Children, Inc – The first-and-only provider of medical day respite services for children up to age five in New York State, Daystar focuses on providing expert pediatric nursing and respite care along with therapeutic and educational support programming for children braving serious and often life-threatening medical and developmental complexities. Striving to effectively influence the long term impact on the health and quality of life for children and their families, Daystar hopes to use the funds from Charity Cup to help with the expansion of its current program from 25 children to 40 children enrolled in the pediatric day respite program.

Wayne Pre-Trial Services/Homeless Youth Program – Wayne Pre-Trial Services provides intensive, high-quality programs designed to provide resources, support and guidance to at-risk populations in Wayne County. The programs help improve overall quality of life, help clients improve personal safety and stability and avoid ongoing or future contact with the criminal justice system. Any funds from Charity Cup will help the Homeless Youth Program to maintain its full-time status. The program helps clients age 16 to 20 that do not have a safe or stable home to return to. Government funding for the program has been reduced by over 56% in the past five years.

YMCA of Greater Rochester/Victor – A charitable association of members that seek to build a healthy spirit, mind and body through quality programs, the YMCA of Greater Rochester/Victor location provides strengthening of families, healthy development of children, the development of positive individual behaviors and a healthier safer community for all. Funds from the Charity Cup will help the Financial Assistance Program which provides financial help to children, families, and seniors that would like to participate in the YMCA Greater Rochester/ Victor programs and services. 

Compassionate Care, Inc – The mission of Compassionate Care, Inc is to enhance the quality of life for the terminally ill by helping them maintain life at home in familiar surroundings and in the company of loved ones throughout the traumatic experience of terminal illness. Any funds received from the Charity Cup will help further their mission within Ontario County and the Canandaigua communities through education, volunteer procurement, and increased marketing efforts.

About Finger Lakes Casino & Racetrack
In operation since 1962, the facility added gaming to its offering in 2004 with a $10.5 million expansion. Nearly two million visitors annually now visit the facility highlighted by nearly 1,200 gaming machines, the 448-seat Vineyard Buffet, as well as live and simulcast thoroughbred racing. A nearly 33,000 square foot expansion featuring additional gaming space, feature bar and new restaurant is currently under construction and slated to open November 2013. Casino doors open at 8 a.m. and racing doors open at 11:30 a.m. daily. For more information, visit www.FingerLakesCasino.com.

About Delaware North Companies Gaming & Entertainment
Delaware North Companies Gaming & Entertainment is one of the most innovative gaming and racing operators in the country, owning and/or operating several successful regional destination casinos and specializing in racing venues with added amenities such as table games, video gaming machines, poker rooms, full-service restaurants, retail shops and lodging. The company operates gaming and hospitality services at locations in New York, Illinois, Florida, Arizona, West Virginia, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. The company is owned by Delaware North Companies, a global leader in hospitality and one of the largest privately held companies in the world.

About Delaware North Companies
Delaware North Companies is one of the largest and most admired privately held hospitality companies in the world. Founded and owned by the Jacobs family for nearly 100 years, it is a global leader in hospitality and food service. Its family of companies includes Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, Delaware North Companies Gaming & Entertainment, Delaware North Companies Travel Hospitality Services, Delaware North Companies Sportservice, Delaware North Companies International and Delaware North Companies Boston, owner of TD Garden. Delaware North Companies has revenue exceeding $2.6 billion annually and 55,000 associates serving half a billion customers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. For more information, visit www.DelawareNorth.com.

Contact:
Shannon Kingston
Marketing Specialist
Finger Lakes Casino & Racetrack (FLCR)
Phone: 585-924-3232
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