AHDC donates $2,000 during Canadian Billings weekend

MILTON, Ont.— Visiting Canada for a pair of CKG Billings events this past Sunday (Oct. 13) at Flamboro Downs and Monday (Oct. 14) at Woodbine Mohawk Park, the American Harness Drivers Club (AHDC) presented a pair of donations following each of the amateur harness racing driving events.

After Sunday’s races won by Ryan Clements and Anthony Verruso, the participating drivers in the CKG Billings came trackside to present a $1,000 check to Habitat for Humanity, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which advocates for housing affordability, providing shelter and supporting sustainable and transformative development within communities. AHDC President Anthony Verruso led the presentation.

On Monday, after John Calabrese went coast to coast to win the CKG Billings Pace at Woodbine Mohawk Park, the drivers came to the winner’s circle to present another $1,000 check – this time to the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society, which assists in the adoption and relocation of retired and/or non-racing Standardbreds inside the province of Ontario. AHDC President Anthony Verruso also led in the donation presentation.

“Supporting communities and giving help to those less fortunate is a core aim for us as amateur drivers,” AHDC President Anthony Verruso said. “To be able to do what we love – racing horses – while also providing them opportunities when they’re done on the track, or to help families going through tough times, is incredibly gratifying.”

As amateurs, the drivers competing in CKG Billings, AHDC or other club events do not retain the driver’s share of purse earnings. Those purse earnings are retained to give to charities, ranging from racehorse aftercare to community development to cancer research and more. In 2024, the AHDC has already donated nearly $10,000 to various charities in North America.

by Ray Cotolo, for AHDC