Mark Your Calendar: Red Tag Sale of the Century Brunch!

The New York Division of the Race Track Chaplaincy of America is overseen by the wise, God-loving and infinitely energetic Chaplain Humberto Chavez.  Chaplain Chavez works very much as a team, side-by-side with his quick-witted and kindhearted wife, Karen, to assure that emergencies are acted upon in a swift manner--and that no soul on the track, adult and child, alike--is ever lacking.  The services of the RTCA are always free to their constituents:  emotional, educational, spiritual, substance abuse and relationship counseling are provided with no charge.  Clothing, bedding, household needs, laundry facilities, recreational opportunities and many meals--are given with a hand extended out, and a heart upward to God.

It's impossible to express adequately the necessity for the services provided by the Race Track Chaplaincy of America.  Our New York Division is working, 24/7, to bless, protect, guide and guard those whose labors of love and extreme physicality assure that every day of the races--horses who are well-groomed; loved and fed make it to the track and back. 

The hard-working souls of the backstretch--the constituents of the Race Track Chaplaincy of America who make the races happen--deserve a good, whole and fulfilled life just as do you and I. 

But in order to assure that these vital services--covering both physical necessities and the encouragement to grow as a soul and as a member of a vital community--money is necessary.

I know, filthy mammon.  Cash.  Change.  Dough.  Moolah.  Greenbacks.  C-Notes.  Coin.

However you express it, it takes cash, Dash, to make it happen.  And a great opportunity presents itself on Monday, August 17th, for you to toss some coin in the general direction of the Race Track Chaplaincy--and get oh-so-much-more in return.

The RTCA, New York Division, is hosting the Red Tag Sale of the Century Brunch from 9:30AM - 12:30PM at the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs.  Yes, Monday the 17th is a race day--but the Brunch ends in time to get to your plum seat in the Clubhouse, or to hook up with your picnicking friends in the backyard.  For a mere C-Note ($100), you can get in on the best sale of home décor, accessories and fashion.  You will buy things to further cush your life--and assure that backstretch workers continue to get the things they need to live comfortably, happily and with an eye to the future.

All this--and a fabulous brunch at the Gideon Putnam!  Who could ask for more?  Beautiful things to entice the eye and heart, and to bless your life with beauty.   Delicious food to fill your tummer before heading off to your wagering conquests at the oval on Nelson Avenue.  Meeting the team of the Chaplaincy, and some of the terrific, sweet people on whose behalf they strive.

And best of all--you get to sleep like a baby on the night of the 17th,  because your presence at the Red Tag Sale of the Century Brunch made the lives of some very hard-working people a little easier.  You'll get some serious Zzzzzzzzs because you know that women of the backstretch can continue to meet and discover life's options.  That men and women, alike, are being encouraged to go to college; dream a dream and build a life.  That the person who coos love songs to your favorite Seabiscuit is able to sing because his life, also, is more joyous than the day before.

It's said that we should rid ourselves of everything that is neither beautiful nor necessary.  That may sound stringent, but many things fall into both categories.

And items both beautiful and necessary are available for the picking on Monday, August 17th, at the Gideon Putnam.  You can attend the brunch; pick up some delightful pieces--and get to the track before the first post. 

The Race Track Chaplaincy of America, New York Division, needs you.  You may not realize it--but you need them, too:  without the RTCA/NY, the hardest-working people in racing might not thrive.  If they don't thrive, they look elsewhere for work.  If they're not working with our horses--who is? 

Let's convene on the 17th, not only to contribute to the future work of Chaplain Humberto and his dedicated team--but to thank the all the people of the Chaplaincy, staff and clients, alike.  (If you can't attend for whatever reason, you can always send a check for the hundred buckaroonies--or whatever you can afford!--to the Chaplaincy, and give it in the name of your favorite Thoroughbred.)  

How many times do you get to shake hands with someone who may have, just that morning, touched Rachel Alexandra, Mine That Bird or Commentator?

That may be the biggest perk of all--to touch those who have touched greatness...and who are, themselves, shining examples of Greatness in Progress.  Life can be sweet, thank God.

[To order tickets for the Red Tag Sale of the Century Brunch, please call (518) 226-0609.  If you can't get through--be not discouraged!  http://rtcany.org/home1/ will get you there.  And if you just can't get through, for whatever reason--they're probably out working with their peeps, or helping rub down a horse--please contact me via Saratoga.com.  I'll make sure you get through.]