Big M Charity Handicapping Contest Dec. 4

East Rutherford, NJ – Seven local New Jersey charitable organizations have been selected to compete in the Meadowlands Charity Handicapping Contest on Saturday, December 4th.

The Contest offers a $13,500 total donation/prize pool, with every charity receiving a donation. Prizes will be awarded as follows: 1st Place: $5,000, 2nd Place: $3,000, 3rd Place: $2,000, 4th Place: $1,500, 5th Place: $1,000, 6th & 7th: $500.

The participating charities have different missions aimed at improving the lives of people and animals living in the Garden State. The participating charities are:

1. North Jersey Friendship House a non-profit organization that’s mission is to build the skills of individuals with varying abilities and developmental needs by providing, within a safe haven, comprehensive clinical treatment, vocational training and work opportunities in order to achieve meaningful and productive lives. www.njfriendshiphouse.org<www.njfriendshiphouse.org>

2. Wayne Township Police Athletic League organized for the purpose of fostering and encouraging in the youth of Wayne Township, a spirit of loyalty and faith in American traditions and institutions through participation in constructive movements and endeavors for the promotion and safeguarding of their interests and general welfare: to promote a spirit of benevolent friendship, goodwill, and tolerance and cultivate and improve their moral standards in order to more effectively combat juvenile delinquency; to provide meeting places where the youth of Wayne may enjoy every educational and social benefit and to participate in athletic activities under competent supervision; and to acquire, lease, hold, use mortgage and dispose of real and personal property to carry out the aforesaid purpose. www.waynepal.org<www.waynepal.org>

3. Act Now Foundation Inc. raises awareness and educates communities about Alzheimer’s disease, prevention and early detection; to provide support, education, evaluations testing, long-term care planning, resources and advocacy in order to improve the quality of life for families living and struggling with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. actnowfoundation.org<actnowfoundation.org>

4. Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Hunterdon County aims to promote, embrace and enjoy Irish-American culture in a positive and progressive manner. Founded in 2008 the FSSP has raised and distributed more than $250,000 to families in Hunterdon County, NJ. FSSPHunterdon.com<www.fssphunterdon.com/>

5. Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization of New Jersey a non-profit organization founded to promote the Standardbred as a pleasure riding and driving horse by exposing the public to their performances through equine events. Whatever the discipline is, eventing, western pleasure, driving, hunter/jumper, trail riding or dressage, our mission is to let the public know that the Standardbred is a very versatile breed. www.sphonj.org<www.sphonj.org>

6. Homeless Animal Adoption League is an all cat all volunteer rescue and adoption facility located in Clifton, NJ. Our mission is to provide a clean, loving environment for cats and kittens until a forever home is found, no matter how long it takes. We also provide humane education to the community. HAALNJ.org <www.haalnj.org/>

7. Horse Rescue United saves horses of all breeds from abandonment, abuse, neglect, and slaughter. We specialize in retraining and rehoming Standardbreds. Whenever possible, HRU purchases slaughter-bound horses from auction, and also assists owner surrenders before they end up in the wrong hands. horserescueunited.org/

For the Charity Handicapping Contest, organizations will select one (1) horse in each of the 10 designated Meadowlands live races. The organizations will amass a mythical bankroll if their selection officially finishes first, second or third in the designated race. Official $2 WPS (Win, Place, Show) payoffs will be added to the mythical bankroll. Official race results will serve as the order of finish. The organization that accumulates the highest mythical bankroll is the winner.

The participating organizations are encouraged to make it a night at the races for their volunteers and employees. Each organization will also have the opportunity to make winner’s circle presentations and be featured on the track’s jumbotron.

“The COVID pandemic has greatly impacted our community and state,” said Jason Settlemoir, COO and GM of Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment. “We look forward to another fun night of racing that will raise money for these local charities who are helping to ease the burden for many in our community.”

For information on racetrack events visit playmeadowlands.com.

From The Meadowlands