NTRA CHARITIES - NEW YORK HEROES FUND TO DISBURSE ADDITIONAL $350,000 TO SEPT. 11-RELATED CHARITIES

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) today announced that it will disburse an additional $350,000 from the NTRA Charities - New York Heroes Fund, including $250,000 to the Silver Shield Foundation on Belmont Stakes day, Saturday, June 8 at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y. With pledges and contributions totaling nearly $5 million, the fund to date has disbursed $3.5 million to children and dependents of those lost in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11.

The Garden City (N.Y.) Community Fund - Family Relief Fund and the Diocese of Rockville Centre (N.Y.) Emergency Relief Fund - World Trade Center Disaster Fund will receive contributions of $50,000 each on Friday, June 7 at a ceremony in Garden City, N.Y.

The NTRA, Breeders' Cup Limited and the New York Racing Association formed the Heroes Fund to benefit the families of the rescue personnel and other victims of Sept. 11 and dedicated the 2001 World Thoroughbred Championships in their honor. Through pledges of purse earnings by owners, trainers and jockeys, World Thoroughbred Championships day alone raised more than $2 million for the fund.

A description of each organization and previous Heroes Fund allocations to them appear below.

Diocese of Rockville Centre (N.Y.) Emergency Relief Fund - World Trade Center Disaster Fund
Serving the needs of families in the New York communities of Manhasset, Rockville Centre and Floral Park, where hundreds of families have been affected by Sept. 11. Previous allocation: $250,000.

Garden City (N.Y.) Community Fund - Family Relief Fund
Assisting the New York community of Garden City, where more than 20 families have been affected by Sept. 11. Previous allocation: $250,000.

Silver Shield Foundation
Since 1982, helping children of fallen New York City police, firefighters, EMS and Port Authority personnel, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut state troopers and members of other law enforcement agencies within a 50-mile radius of Manhattan. Prior to the World Trade Center attack, 85 children received aid from Silver Shield; now, more than 800 will be eligible for assistance. Previous allocation: $500,000.

Formed in 1999, NTRA Charities is a nonprofit, 501 (c) (3) subsidiary of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, which provides public service announcements and other public awareness initiatives in support of its national affiliate, Ronald McDonald House Charities, as well as its horseracing affiliates.