Next month, ReRun, the New Jersey-based Thoroughbred adoption program, is hosting its third annual “Day at the Races” at Monmouth Park Racetrack. Taking place on June 13th, this event is ReRun’s largest annual fundraiser and will be held outside on the Patio Terrace. The benefit luncheon to raise funds for the adoption of ex-racehorses will begin at noon and includes a silent auction, raffle, and a day of racing. Tickets for the event are $100 and sponsor opportunities are also available. To purchase tickets or to sponsor, visit Rerun’s website or call 609-301-8772.

I happened to be at Monmouth on the day of this event two years ago, and it looked terrific—a lovely lunch was on offer, and the silent auction and raffle had many tempting items. Lunch, a day at the races, and spending money for a good cause—sounds like a great day!

During the week before the Belmont Stakes, Morton’s The Steakhouse, at 777 Northern Boulevard in Great Neck, New York, is holding Philanthropy Week. From 5 pm until 11 pm, Monday, June 1st and Friday, June 5th, Morton’s is offering an $85 per guest prix fixe dinner menu (not including tax and tip), $27 of which will be donated to backstretch charities. Among the beneficiaries is the Belmont Child Care Association; you can check out the menu on offer by going here and clicking on the “Special Events” tab.

To make a reservation, call 516 498 2950, and make sure that you mention that you are coming for Philanthropy Week.

And speaking of the Belmont Child Care Association, don’t forget about the August benefit in Saratoga. You can get involved in the following ways:

You can become a sponsor of the event; sponsor packages are available from $5,000 to $15,000, and include tickets to the event, signage, and a significant ad in the benefit journal.

You can purchase an ad in the benefit journal, with prices ranging from $75 to $2,000.

You can make a cash donation to support the event.

You can contribute silent and live auction items; particularly popular at past events have been donations of wine; jewelry; racing memorabilia; tickets for shows and sporting events; gift certificates for retail stores or restaurants; electronics, or experiences, like a walk-on part in a movie or a meal with a celebrity.

If you’ll be in Saratoga then, you could volunteer at or attend the event. Thanks to those people who have already contacted me about donating or volunteering.

And finally: it’s time for the next Brooklyn Backstretch charity contest! Earlier this week I posted at the Belmont Stakes site about attendance at the Belmont over the last four decades.
If we can get a minimum of five people to play, I’ll donate $50 to the racing charity of the winner’s choice, and all you have to do is guess the attendance on Belmont Stakes this year.

Post your guess in the comments section of this post, and the deadline for posting will be Saturday, June 6th, at 9 am. The closest guess to the actual attendance wins, and I’ll post reminders about this over the next couple of weeks.

Have a great weekend, everyone…