Charities of various flavors take advantage of the throngs that descend on Saratoga during racing season: every week, even every night, events both modest and elaborate take place across the Spa City.

The terrific spirits shop Crush and Cask supported a number of charities with Tuesday night wine tastings, and Chianti Il Ristorante offers diners the chance to donate 30% of their dinner checks to selected organizations on the 12^th of every month.  In August, the recipient of the restaurant’s generosity was the Belmont Child Care Association, and owner David Zecchini presented a check for $1,903.50 to BCCA board member Eloise Canzone and her husband Peter.

Summer’s in the rearview mirror, and while Halloween’s not here yet, the good people at the Belmont Child Care Association are already planning their annual holiday party.  This year, the event will take place at Anna House on December 11^th, and as always, the children of the backstretch are invited to come “shop” (for free!) for gifts to give their family members for Christmas.

The BCCA is seeking donations of cash, goods, and time for the party; the children like to pick out jewelry, toys, and warm clothing for their parents, siblings, and extended family.  You can get more information by contacting me (the e-mail address is above at the “contact information” tab) or clicking here.

Remember these magnificent creatures? They are part of the tabby colony living at Belmont, cared for in part by the good folks at All About Spay Neuter, who also care for animals beyond the backstretch.

All About Spay Neuter has been invited by NYRA to be part of this Saturday’s New York Showcase Day; one of the best days of the Belmont Fall Meet, Showcase Day highlights the best of New York, on the track and off. More on this fun day later this week, but in addition to watching and betting on a full slate of stakes races for New York-breds, visitors to the track can sample New York wines, food products, and crafts.

And…you can support this wonderful organization whose volunteers work tirelessly to feed, neuter, shelter, and adopt homeless cats. All About Spay Neuter will be on the ground floor of the grandstand from 11 am – 5 pm Saturday, providing information about the organization and selling raffle tickets for a weekend at Danfords Hotel and Marina in Port Jefferson, along with t-shirts, magnets and other goodies.

Only one kitten will be in attendance, but plenty of others are in foster homes, waiting to be adopted.  Come support this terrific group by making a donation, buying a raffle ticket, or making an appointment to adopt a homeless feline or two.

Old Friends, the equine retirement organization with farms near Lexington and Saratoga, is raising money to fence its back ten acres, install automatic watering lines, and build a run-in shed for its retired inhabitants.  The group’s Facebook page is trying to raise $5 each from 3,200 people, which will enable these paddocks to be completed so that more horses can live out their retirement at Old Friends.

Donations can be sent to Old Friends, 1841 Paynes Depot Rd, Georgetown, KY 40324 or made via PayPal on the Old Friends site.