New York Youth Outreach Program Extends Educational Opportunities to Families of Backstretch Workers in Honor of Classic-winning Filly Rags to Riches

Thursday, September 03, 2009

Middle school students and their families gathered last night at the new Elmont Memorial Library for the first meeting of the New York Youth Outreach Program, established in honor of the Belmont Stakes-winning champion filly Rags to Riches and sponsored in part by her trainer, Todd Pletcher.

The program, a partnership between The Race For Education and the Race Track Chaplaincy of America, New York, is designed to engage the youth of the backstretch racing community and their families. Cultivation of skills needed for a bright academic future is the primary goal.

The students will have the opportunity to attend a special weekly study hall at Anna House, located on the backstretch of Belmont Park. Omar Aracena, program coordinator, and numerous volunteers will assist students with their homework during the special sessions. Laptop computers will be available for students to use for research and their school assignments.

Monthly group meetings and field trips will be held to engage the youth and their families in fun yet educational topics centered on life skills. Topics range in diversity from "Stop Bullying" to "Introduction to the Arts." The Hillside YMCA will offer a session on "Staying Healthy" and a scholarship for membership to program participants, and Breeders’ Cup sponsor Sentient Flight Group will host a science month that will include a field trip to the Cradle of Aviation Museum.

"Many thanks go out to Todd Pletcher for challenging our organization to partner with RTCANY to provide this service " states Jack Wolf , board member of The Race For Education. " And thanks to Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith for giving us Rags to Riches, such an inspiring filly ."