Community Relations
Active in the community through a number of charities and community service organizations, Suffolk Downs values the relationships it has earned with these groups and continues to work toward strengthening and expanding its involvement with them.
Suffolk Downs understands the importance of being a good neighbor in its immediate and surrounding communities. The track is a regular donor to community service organizations that support worthy causes in both the track's own backyard and nationally. The contributions benefit those who are part of the Suffolk Downs show on a daily basis – fans, employees, backstretch workers and horses – plus local businesses and civic groups, and local and national organizations committed to the betterment of our future. On any given afternoon, fans are likely to open the track program and see the names of charitable organizations enjoying a day at the races.
In the broader sense of the sport of thoroughbred racing, the track also strives to be among the leaders when it comes to caring for the game's equine and human participants. Suffolk Downs is committed to the lifetime care of thoroughbreds once their racing careers are over and takes an active role in finding suitable homes for them upon their retirement from racing.
This year, Suffolk Downs is introducing the "Community Winner's Circle" program to recognize local individuals and groups who have dedicated themselves to worthy causes in the community.
Suffolk Downs is also committed to using local vendors and businesses in its operations, purchasing goods and services from them for its day-to-day operations.
Introducing the "Community Winner's Circle"
Throughout the live racing season, Suffolk Downs will be recognizing local individuals and groups who have dedicated themselves to worthy causes in the community.
Those selected to join our "Community Winner's Circle" will be honored with a special raceday presentation and Suffolk Downs will make a contribution to their charitable cause.
2008 honorees:
Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling (August 16)
The Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling is a private, non-profit health agency dedicated to reducing the social, financial and emotional costs of problem gambling. Founded in 1983 by Thomas N. Cummings, the Council has been instrumental in bringing the issue of problem gambling to the attention of the public and policymakers. The Council provides information, prevention, education, advocacy and referral services for problem gamblers, their loved ones and the greater community. Prior to 1987, there were no funded problem gambling services available in Massachusetts. Today, due largely to the efforts of Mr. Cummings and the Council, awareness of problem gambling has increased significantly, along with sources of help for those who need it. To learn more, visit www.masscompulsivegambling.org.
Foundation for Salem Public Education (July 26)
The Foundation for Salem Public Education is an independent non-profit organization, founded in 1994, that awards grants annually in support of creative teaching in Salem's public schools. The foundation works to enhance the quality of public education in the city of Salem by raising funds to support pilot programs, special projects, and the purchase of needed educational materials and equipment. The Foundation has awarded over 679 grants to Salem teachers and their students totaling almost $300,000 in support of projects in art, literacy, drama, technology and music. Most recently, the Foundation responded to a financial crisis within Salem’s School Department and helped save teacher positions and avoid mid-year teacher layoffs. For more information, visit www.salemedfoundation.org.
Crossroads Family Shelter (July 26)
The Crossroads Family Shelter was established in 1985, first opening its doors for a family displaced by a devastating fire and quickly expanding its capacity and services in response to the growing phenomenon of family homelessness in East Boston. Over the past two decades, Crossroads has been a home to over 700 families with more than 1,500 children. Today, fifteen families share five bathrooms, two living rooms, a dining room, kitchen, playroom, library, nightly meals, stories, frustrations, dreams and inspirations. The staff at Crossroads assists families in navigating the public assistance programs, seeking out and succeeding in educational and employment opportunities, and overcoming stress, trauma, and the heartache of homelessness. For more information, visit www.ebcrossroads.org.
CASTLES for Kids (July 12)
CASTLES for Kids raises money to fund scholarships for after-school programs for the children of Revere. These programs provide a safe, enriching and nurturing environment for children whose families would otherwise not be able to afford it. CASTLES, which stands for Caring Alumni Supporting the Learning and Enrichment of Students, was established in 2007 by the Revere High School Class of 1972, led by Camille Garro, as it prepared for its 35th reunion. The class wanted to give back to the city and schools that had helped them out when they were kids. Other classes have since joined the Class of '72 in their efforts and the Second Annual Revere H.S. Reunion Gala will take place on November 1. To learn more, visit reverecastles.org.
CAPIC, INC. (June 21)
Community Action Programs, Inter City, Inc. (CAPIC) is a private, non-profit corporation chartered in 1967 and designated to identify and eradicate the root causes of poverty in Chelsea, Revere and Winthrop. In addition, CAPIC provides housing services to the residents of East Boston through its local program and twenty-five other communities regionally, as well as Weatherization services to eighteen local communities. Since its inception, CAPIC has grown to meet the changing needs of the communities it serves, supporting self-sufficiency efforts of people struggling economically and emotionally. Currently assisting more than 5,000 low-income individuals and families annually, CAPIC continues to implement its philosophy of self-sufficiency through a service delivery structure that provides innovative, practical, and timely programs and services, which emphasize developing problem-solving skills for people and communities. For more, visit capicinc.org.
Viking Pride Foundation (June 7)
The Viking Pride Foundation of Winthrop was founded in 2004 after drastic budget cuts nearly ended co-curricular activities within the Winthrop Public Schools. This non-profit organization provides substantial resources that enhance the quality of education for the youth of Winthrop. From drama, music, language and art, to math, science and sports, the VPF has been an instrumental force in building programs that contribute to a well-rounded education for the youth of Winthrop. For more, visit vikingpridefoundation.org.
In Memory of Captain Jennifer J. Harris, 1st Lieutenant Derek S. Hines, Corporal Scott J. Procopio, and Specialist Jared J. Raymond (May 24-26)
On Memorial Day weekend, Suffolk Downs paid tribute to four individuals from the local community who gave their lives for their country in Iraq and Afghanistan. The track has made contributions to memorial funds that have been established in each of their names:
Capt. Jennifer J. Harris Memorial Scholarship Fund
Eastern Bank, 405 Paradise Road, Swampscott, MA 01907
1st Lt. Derek S. Hines Soldiers Assistance Fund
c/o Marie Wilson - The Provident Bank, P.O. Box 37, 5 Market Square, Amesbury, MA 01913
Cpl. Scott J. Procopio Memorial Scholarship Fund
c/o Deb Alphonse - Saugusbank, P.O. Box 988, Saugus, MA 01906
Spc. Jared J. Raymond Memorial Fund
Eastern Bank, 405 Paradise Road, Swampscott, MA 01907
CANTER New England (May 17)
CANTER New England is dedicated to the welfare of thoroughbred racehorses and assisting ex-racers in making the successful transition to life after the finish line. Since 2002, the all-volunteer staff of CANTER New England has helped the region's owners, breeders and trainers find new careers for more than 1,500 retiring racehorses. For more, visit www.canterusa.org/newengland.
ZUMIX (May 3)
Based in East Boston, ZUMIX has nearly 17 years of experience serving underserved youth through music, technology and related arts. The mission of ZUMIX is empowered youth who use music to make strong, positive change in their lives, their communities and the world. ZUMIX has grown to serve over 350 youth per year in after-school and summer programs and reaches more than 6,000 additional youth and adults through workshops, community events, and outdoor concerts. For more, visit zumix.org.
