NEWS
Saratoga hosts season-long backstretch worker appreciation program
Posted: Friday, July 02, 2010 11:01 AM
by Paul Post
Every night during the upcoming Saratoga Race Course meet, the track’s more than 1,000 backstretch workers will be treated to games, dinners, and activities as part of an appreciation program to help the Thoroughbred racing industry’s unsung heroes.
Events such as movie nights, magic shows, karaoke contests, casino nights, and “Learn English-Eat Spanish” dinners will be held for 45 straight days running from July 23, when the track opens, to September 5.
Marylou Whitney and her husband, John Hendrickson, organize, sponsor, and personally attend most activities in partnership with other donors and service groups. Their goal is to have the concept catch on throughout the nation.
“We’re hoping that other racetracks will start similar efforts,” Hendrickson said. “We’re working in partnership with Saratoga Economic Opportunity Council, the Racetrack Chaplaincy and B.E.S.T. (Backstretch Employees Service Team). Altogether there are probably 200 volunteers. Without them, this program wouldn’t be possible.”
Most stable workers are from Latin America and are separated from their families, many of whom stay behind at Belmont Park, during the Saratoga meet. Compounded with their grueling work schedules, this can often lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, which appreciation nights help counteract.
“We get a lot of attention, a lot recreation,” backstretch worker Jacinto Fernandez said. “It really feels like people care for us when we’re here at Saratoga.”
Race Track Chaplaincy of America’s Nick Caras said, “It helps them relax before they go back to their room in the evening. It gives them something positive to look forward to, seven nights a week. There’s no other race meet, farm, or other venue in Thoroughbred racing that does anything like this.”
On Bingo nights, prizes include big-ticket items such as televisions, bicycles, and supermarket gift cards. Track announcer Tom Durkin calls out the Bingo numbers.
This year’s casino nights are being done in conjunction with the local Lions Club, which is providing roulette and table games such as blackjack. Sunday night special-themed dinners feature Mexican, Chinese, Italian,and Cuban meals and typically have more than 1,000 people on hand.
B.E.S.T. and the Race Track Chaplaincy of America have other programs for Saratoga workers as well including a medical clinic, computers for workers to communicate with family members, and transportation to activities and services within the community.
Paul Post is a New York-based correspondent for Thoroughbred Times
READER COMMENTS
|
|
|
Posted by: Lee, Baltimore, MD on July 02, 2010 at 10:22 PM
When the right people understand and put their minds, hearts, and money into doing something that is really positive, it is amazing what good can be done. This is the best thing I have seen in my 20 years in racing.
Report Abuse 
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by: Sally, Phoenix, AZ on July 02, 2010 at 06:54 PM
Great idea to show appreciation for the backside workers because they do deserve it. I use to be one myself. However, how about a Horse Appreciation Day" as well. After all, there wouldn't be racetracks or jobs for backside workers, jockeys, trainers, agents, racing officials, stewards, etc., if it were not for the horses.
Report Abuse
|
|
|
|
|
|
